Don’t just learn tech. Shape it!
Ever wondered how apps, games, or tools that change the world are made? Computer Science is about using creativity and logic to build solutions that make everyday life better, from improving healthcare to tackling climate change.
No experience with coding? No problem. You don’t need a background in computer science to get started here. We'll support you as you learn, whether you're new to coding or building on prior experience. Along the way, you'll become part of a welcoming community that values different experiences, identities, cultures, interests, and perspectives.
You’ll explore how technology works and learn how to create your own applications, even if you’ve never programmed before. You’ll also learn by doing. Through co-op and hands-on opportunities, you can gain up to two years of paid work experience — whether that’s working on real-world problems, contributing to research, or even launching something of your own.
Choose from more than 70 courses in areas like artificial intelligence, data science, user interface design, and cybersecurity. If you enjoy math and problem-solving, computer science could be a great fit. Computer science is fun and creative, and you can collaborate with others to build exciting projects or work independently to solve problems your own way.
Our graduates are in high demand across many fields. You’ll be prepared for careers in technology, networking, healthcare, education, business, environmental research, and more! Computer Science skills are beneficial wherever creative problem-solvers are needed.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Computer Science in 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
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll be supported through the job search process, 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 after your first 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 2027).
| 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 2028).
| 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.
Helping you succeed – with a 90% employment rate
Waterloo is known for a rigorous and high-quality education – which helps Waterloo Math students be highly successful.
- Graduation rate of 86% compared to 79% for similar programs across Ontario.
- Over 90% are employed within six months of graduation!
- Waterloo students are 4X more likely to do an internship, co-op, field experience, or clinical placement in their first year than first-year students at other Ontario universities.
(Sources: Key performance indicators - University of Waterloo 2024, National Survey of Student Engagement 2023)
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
There are tons of opportunities to get involved within the Faculty of Mathematics as well as campus-wide clubs, sports and recreation, and an incredible range of events!
Women in Mathematics
The Women in Mathematics (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) 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 (WiSTEM)
WiSTEM is a student-run club that welcomes all students (regardless of gender) to promote equality in STEM through 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. There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission. We'll email you detailed instructions once we receive your application.
Math and computing contests
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 eligible for entrance scholarships in the Faculty of Mathematics, you must write the CSMC or the Euclid contest. If you complete both contests, we'll use the results of the contest in which you performed best.
Get information about programs, applying, and more!
Connect with us
Questions about programs, requirements, co-op, or careers?
Contact our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment team who'd be happy to help.