Computer Science Degree

A computer science student uses a laptop to learn about human-computer action.

Get a degree that computes

Yes, there’s a secret code for a high-tech career in computers. Learn it at Waterloo.

Earn a degree from one of the world’s top computer science schools. Not only will you learn to develop a broad understanding of systems, networks, algorithms, and programming through 70+ courses, you can make your degree your own by adding specializations and minors to match your interests and skills.

Combing theory and hands-on practice, you’ll discover the mathematics that build the framework for emerging technologies from AI to machine learning. After second year, you can apply to a major in Data Science.

Put your skills to the test through co-op and experiential learning opportunities ranging from conducting research with a professor to building your own tech startup. At Waterloo, you’re in the right place to make your mark.

What courses will you take in Computer Science?

First-year courses

You may also select advanced-stream courses for algebra, calculus, and computer science if you meet the requirements. Details will be sent during course selection in June.

September to December

  • CS 135 – Designing Functional Programs
  • MATH 135 – Algebra for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 137 – Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • One communication skills course
  • One elective

January to April

  • CS 136 – Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
  • CS 136L – Tools and Techniques for Software Development
  • MATH 136 – Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 138 – Calculus 2 for Honours Mathematics
  • Two electives

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

The majority of the required courses you’ll take will be Computer Science courses, with additional courses in the Faculty of Mathematics. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

Sample upper-year courses

CS 341 – Algorithms
CS 449 – Human-Computer Interaction
CS 459 – Privacy, Cryptography, Network and Data Security
CS 492 – The Social Implications of Computing
CS 486 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise by including specializations such as artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, business, computational fine arts, digital hardware, human-computer interaction, or software engineering.

Once you're a student, advisors can help you explore which minors or specializations may fit into your plans.

Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics

Degree:
Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
No

Study your interests. With 70+ computer science courses, plus no end of options and electives, you can create a degree tailored to your specific interests.

Social and academic support. Through Waterloo’s Computer Science Club, connect with fellow students to help prepare for career success and foster academic growth.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

  • Full stack developer
  • Game programmer
  • DevOps engineer
  • Technical systems analyst
  • Research assistant
  • Software developer

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Your first work term will be after first year (May to August 2026).

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Co-op
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Study
Fifth Co-op Study -

or halfway through second year (which can be January to April 2027).

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Study
Fifth Co-op Co-op Study

There are options where you can have your first work term in the spring term after first year and your second work term after second year, or in the fall term halfway through your second year. 

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in computer science?

Graduates typically pursue careers in technology such as software development and game development. They often work for software companies, technology companies, and more.

Recent graduates

  • Financial Software Developer — Bloomberg
  • Software Developer — Pinterest
  • Data Scientist — Facebook
  • Software Engineer — Google
  • Engineer, Relevancy — Wish
  • Software Developer — Palantir Technologies
  • Software Engineer — Dropbox

Learn about the future of careers in math, coding, and data.

Tuition fees

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $17,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $18,000
International (visa students) $73,000
     
  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.

Student life in mathematics and computer science

MathSoc

Math Society (MathSoc) is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs, services, and social and academic events to make your experience as a Waterloo math student the best it can be.

Campus-wide activities

Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved, no matter how unique your interests. Between clubs supported by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, sports and recreation, and an incredible range of events, there's something for everyone at Waterloo!

Women in Mathematics

The Women in Mathematics (WiM) community encourages and advocates for women of all ages who are interested in studying math and pursuing a career in a related area.

WiM strives for all genders to be well-represented in mathematics and welcomes people with under-represented gender identities.

Women in Computer Science

Women in Computer Science (WiCS) promotes gender equity for students interested in studying computer science.

WiCS is very active and offers events such as the Big CSters mentoring program, workshops, a speaker series, and panels about diversity in computer science and STEM.

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM) is a student-run club that welcomes all students (regardless of gender) to promote equality in STEM. Opportunities include skills workshops, discussions, homework help, and guest speakers.

Hack the North

As Waterloo Computer Science student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in competitions such as Hack the North. This hack-a-thon is the largest in Canada and hosted annually at Waterloo.

Computer Science admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Advanced Functions
  • Calculus and Vectors
  • Any Grade 12 U English
  • One other 4U course

Recommended: Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science

Admission average: Individual selection from the low to mid-90s

Not an Ontario high school student? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply?

Apply directly to this program on your application. Once you've applied, you'll need to complete the Admission Information Form as part of the application process.

We strongly encourage you to participate in the Canadian Computing Competition, Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest (CSMC), and/or the Euclid Mathematics Contest to enhance your admissions status.

To be considered for entrance scholarships in the Faculty of Mathematics, you must write the CSMC or the Euclid. If you complete both contests, we'll use the results of the contest in which you performed best.

Sign up for insider advice that can help you now and in the future.

Monthly topics include how to choose a program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, the differences between high school and university, and more.

Contact a Faculty of Mathematics student ambassador to learn about their experience in the program.

Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.

Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact Evan Chang, our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.