Business Administration and Computer Science Double Degree

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 North America’s largest 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.

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. In upper years, you can choose to specialize in Computer Science and/or add a concentration to the business component.

View a list of 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 492 – The Social Implications of Computing
CS 486 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

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?
Yes

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

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
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 2026).

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 at 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, the co-op process, and access to athletic and student life facilities. These are available through your home university.

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.

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

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 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.

Related programs

Business Administration and Mathematics Double Degree

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 our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.

Business Administration (Laurier) and Computer Science (Waterloo) Double Degree