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.

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.

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.

Get tips from Waterloo students

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First-year courses and beyond

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.

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

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

Customize your degree

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

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

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.

Student life, including women in mathematics

Math Society (MathSoc)

MathSoc is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs and services as well as social and academic events to make your experience as a Waterloo Mathematics student the best it can be. There are many ways to get involved and to meet students in other Faculty of Mathematics programs.

Campus-wide activities

Outside of the Faculty of Mathematics, 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, student government, 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 and pursuing career in computing. WiCS has a very active student-run committee 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 also 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. Learn more about this competition on our Beyond Ideas website

Bringing friends closer through technology

"I value being able to learn and grow alongside others who share your passion and understand your experience. It's hard work, but also so rewarding. I've grown so much both as a student and as a person in my time here at Waterloo."Stefanie, third-year Computer Science student

"Co-op was the reason I chose Waterloo. No other school was able to offer me six four-month internships. I've explored many different software roles, including systems engineering and test automation as well as full-stack software engineering."Stephanie, Computer Science student

"Being in co-op not only allows you to practise balancing time between job interviews, school, and a social life, but also helps you find your career goals and shapes you into a better leader in the workplace by taking the best from each co-op." Renee, fourth-year Computer Science student

globe Waterloo is an international leader in mathematics