Business Administration (Laurier) and Computer Science (Waterloo) double degree

A Business Administration Computer Science student writing in notebooks with a pen at the University of Waterloo.

Combine the worlds of bytes and business

Double down on your love of technology, computer science, and business. In this unique program, you’ll get two prestigious degrees and two sets of skills in high demand.

Your Waterloo courses will cover fundamental mathematics, computer programming, data structures, algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, and social implications of computing. At nearby Wilfrid Laurier University (walking distance from our campus), you’ll study all the business basics: finance, accounting, marketing, organizational behaviour, business communication, law, human resource management, and business policy.

Plus, you’ll get four to five terms of real-world work experience through the world's leading co-op program.

In just five years, you'll earn both a co-op Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) from Waterloo and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Laurier. You'll also have the opportunity to study abroad as a student through both Waterloo and Laurier.

What courses will you take in Business Administration and Computer Science?

First-year courses

You'll take fundamental courses in Business, Economics, Mathematics, and Computer Science to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes.

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

  • MATH 135 – Algebra for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 137 – Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • CS 135 – Designing Functional Programs
  • BU 111 – Understanding the Business Environment
  • EC 120 – Introduction to Microeconomics

January to April

  • MATH 136 – Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 138 – Calculus 2 for Honours Mathematics
  • CS 136 – Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
  • CS 136L – Tools and Techniques for Software Development
  • BU 121 – Functional Areas of the Organization
  • EC 140 – Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • One communication skills course

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

Note: BU 111, BU 121, EC 120, and EC 140 are taken at nearby Wilfrid Laurier University's School of Business and Economics.

After first year

You'll take business and economics courses at Laurier in combination with your computer science courses at Waterloo. Once you're a student, you may choose to customize your degree by adding a specialization in Computer Science and/or a concentration in Business. You can also add minors to your degree. Our academic advisors can help you explore countless possibilities!

View all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

CS 350 – Operating Systems
CS 449 – Human-Computer Interaction
CS 451 – Data-Intensive Distributed Computing
CS 486 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
CS 492 – The Social Implications of Computing

Customize your degree

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

Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics

Degree:
Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only

Available as a regular program?
No

Available as a minor?
No

Learn from top researchers. Home to award-winning teachers and researchers, the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science at Waterloo is among the ten best computer science departments in North America.

Take your ideas to market. From fitness apps to AI-based note-taking software, Waterloo’s Velocity program helps students launch their startup ideas.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

In the world's leading co-op program, you'll 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
  • QA analyst
  • Secure engineering tools development intern
  • Software developer
  • Trading products quantitative analyst
  • Web UI intern

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.

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

Your first work term will be after first year (May to August 2027).

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with two degrees in business and computer science?

Waterloo and Laurier Business Administration and Computer Science graduates often pursue careers in programming, finance, and analysis. They commonly work in technology, investment, and consulting companies.

Recent graduates

  • Program Manager — Microsoft Corporation
  • iOS Software Engineer — Apple
  • Business Analyst — CIBC World Markets
  • Investment Banking Analyst — Morgan Stanley Canada
  • Software Engineer — Google Canada
  • Consultant — Deloitte Consulting
  • Software Engineer — Amazon
  • Senior Business Intelligence Systems Analyst — WIND Mobile
  • Risk Modelling Analyst — Toronto-Dominion Bank

Possible professional designations

  • Chartered Professional Accountant
  • Chartered Financial Analyst
  • Fellow of the Society of Actuaries

Learn about the future of careers in business

Where to apply: Waterloo or Laurier?

The University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University each admit students to the double degree program. We recommend that you apply to both universities to maximize your likelihood of admission. The academic program is identical, regardless of whether Waterloo or Laurier is your home base. Differences include where you’d live in residence, scholarships and the co-op process, and access to athletic and student life facilities. These are available through your home university.

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.

Hack the North

Meet students from around the world by participating in competitions such as Hack the North, Canada'a largest hack-a-thon. It's hosted annually 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.

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!

Did you know?

Waterloo's degree completion rate for Mathematics programs is 86% compared to 79% for similar programs across Ontario.

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 course: Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

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

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.

We strongly encourage you to participate in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest 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 one or both of the contests. If you complete both contests, we'll use the results of the contest in which you performed best.

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.