Computer Science

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Waterloo is an international leader in mathematics

Apply directly to this program on your application

Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics

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