Computer Science

Get a degree that computes

Study at one of the world’s best schools for computer science, where more than 80 professors are pushing the boundaries of the field.

With 70+ computer science courses, plus no end of options and electives, you can create a degree tailored to your specific interests. After first year, you can choose a major in Data Science.

You can also gain two years of paid work experience through our co-op program, the largest of its kind in North America, or fast track your degree by choosing the regular system of study.

Your degree is your ticket to career success. Our graduates go on to work in leading technology companies and at top universities around the world.

Meanwhile, Waterloo professors and graduates have created more than 800 spin-off companies, including leaders like OpenText, Canada’s largest software company.

Social and academic support

Through Waterloo’s Computer Science Club, get access to high-powered hardware or get social with your fellow students.

Calling all hackers

Bring your ideas to life at Hack the North — Canada’s biggest hackathon — which attracts more than 1,000 students from around the world each year.

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

The David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science is largest academic computer science research centre in Canada, ranking 10th in North America and 31st in the world.

First faculty of mathematics in North America

briefcase Available as a co-op and regular program

Graduation cap Earn a Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Mathematics

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 90s

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

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

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.

Get tips from Waterloo students

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First-year courses

You can choose advanced-stream courses for algebra, calculus, and computer science if you meet the requirements.

September to December

CS 135 - Designing Functional Programs
MATH 135 - Algebra
MATH 137 - Calculus 1
One communication skills course
One elective

January to April

CS 136 - Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
MATH 136 - Linear Algebra 1
MATH 138 - Calculus 2
Two electives

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.

View a list of all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

CS 341 - Algorithms
CS 480 - Introduction to Machine Learning
CS 492 - The Social Implications of Computing
CS 486 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve. You can choose from 4 different co-op sequences.

Sample co-op job titles

Full stack developer
Game programmer
Web developer
Technical systems analyst
Research assistant
Software developer

Sample co-op employers

Microsoft
Facebook
Google
Shopify
OpenText Corporation
NVIDIA Corporation

globe Waterloo is an international leader in mathematics

Arrow pointing up and clicking Apply directly to this program on your application

math tie Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

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.