Computer Science (BSc)

Solve complex problems, drive innovation, and improve lives through technology with our Computer Science program. Master applied cryptography and mobile computing while developing robust skills in algorithm analysis and design across procedural, object-oriented, and low-level languages. Benefit from extensive hands-on experience that deepens your understanding of computing fundamentals and prepares you for real-world challenges. Explore the full range of opportunities and specializations available in our Computer Science program. Computer Science is also offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on in this program:

  • Career-Ready Curriculum: Develop strong algorithm analysis and design skills in procedural, object-oriented and low-level languages, with an optional introduction to functional, parallel, and logical paradigms. 
  • Extensive Lab Time: We know hands-on experience is key to your understanding of computing fundamentals, so you’ll spend lots of time in the lab starting in first year.
  • Start with a Solid Foundation: Laurier’s first-year courses provide the critical background needed for success, regardless of your high school computer science experience. 
  • Personalize Your Degree to Your Interests: In senior years, you will select courses in application areas ranging from internet computing to writing apps for mobile computing, from applied cryptography to quantum computing. 

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Co-op: You can apply to co-op at the end of first year, and complete three four-month work terms over the course of your four-year degree. 
  • Competitions: Take the iPhone Application Programming course for the opportunity to present your own custom app to judges (and maybe even win a prize). 
  • Collaboration: Participate in the Undergraduate Capstone Open Source Projects (UCOSP), where you will work with students from universities across Canada.
  • Professional Experience Program: Participate in a 12- or 16-month work term to gain real-world experience in programming, networking technology, quality assurance, technical support or information technology consulting. 

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Core Courses

  • Calculus I
  • Data Structures I
  • Introduction to Functions and Differential Calculus
  • Introductory Linear Algebra
  • Introduction to Programming

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Environment, Sustainability and Society
  • Health Issues I
  • Introduction to Psychology I

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Computer Networks
  • Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Science
  • Operating Systems

Combine Your Degree

Expand your field of expertise by pairing your Computer Science degree with another major:

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Applied Social Research Option
  • Mathematics Minor

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Management Option

The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of business and economics. Apply directly to Computer Science (BSc) with Management Option on OUAC.

Pathway to Med School

We prepare you for a clinical career in Canada. Laurier students apply to med school with a competitive edge and gain preferential status with internationally accredited medical schools, including the American University of the Caribbean and St. George’s University.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • business systems analyst
  • chief information officer
  • computer security specialist
  • database administrator
  • information systems manager
  • software developer
  • systems engineer
  • video game developer

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?