Join us at Laurier

Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.

Steps to Apply

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Steps to Apply

Undergraduate AdmissionsGraduate Admissions

Computer Science (BA in Combination)

waterloo

Solve problems, innovate and make life better through technology. Computer Science at Laurier includes the fundamentals of programming, algorithm design and computation. You’ll also study applications – everything from internet computing and writing mobile apps to applied cryptography and quantum computing. This program requires you to double major so that you can use your technical training to solve problems in diverse fields. Learn more about Computer Science at Laurier.

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you’ll have access to in the Computer Science program:

  • All of our first- and second-year required Computer Science courses have a laboratory component where you’ll apply concepts learned in the lectures.
  • You can apply for the Professional Experience Program, which consists of a 12- to 16-month work term between your third and fourth years.
  • You can apply for the co-op option, which includes two work terms usually in the summer following your second and third year.

Check out the Physics and Computer Science Experience Guide.

 

2020 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2019/20

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term)     OUAC code: UAC
Ontario High School Admission Requirements
  • Minimum admission range: high 70s.
  • Competitive admission range based on last year’s admitted students: mid 80s.
  • English at 60%.
  • Advanced Functions at 60%.
  • All prerequisite courses calculated in admissions average.
Canadian Admission Requirements (Outside of Ontario)

Students applying to this program from a Canadian province outside of Ontario are encouraged to review our course equivalents by province chart. This chart will show you what courses from your province are equivalent to the admission requirements listed under Ontario High School Admission Requirements.
International Admission Requirements

Students applying to this program from an international curriculum are encouraged to review our curriculum-specific requirements; you must also meet all program-specific requirements listed under the Ontario High School Admission Requirements section.

English-Proficiency Requirement

Laurier's language of instruction is English, and so we may require you to provide evidence of your English proficiency to help make sure you experience success in your academic courses.

Your three most recent years of full-time education must be in English without taking any ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.

We reserve the right to request an English-language test from any applicant.

If you do not meet Laurier's English proficiency requirement but are academically qualified for your program, you may be eligible for a conditional offer of admission.

Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) Program

The Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF) program is an academic English program for Laurier applicants who have to prove English proficiency. If you have received an offer to Laurier with a condition to meet our English- proficiency requirement, you can meet that condition by successfully completing the LEAF program.
College Pathways

Completed the first year of a college program:

  • Minimum admission average of 70% for part-time studies in a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program.
  • Minimum admission average of 75% for full-time studies in a BA program.

Completed a two-year diploma or two years of a three-year advanced diploma:

  • Minimum admission average of 70% for part-time studies in a BA program.
  • Minimum admission average of 75% for full-time studies in a BA program

Completed a two to three-year advanced diploma:

  • Minimum admission average of 75% for full-time studies in a BA program.
Note: Possession of the minimum admission average does not guarantee admission. Unless otherwise noted, you are considered for admission into full-time studies.
Other Admission Requirements

Visit our admission requirements section to find specific requirements for university students, indigenous applicants, mature learners, homeschooled applicants, senior citizens, refugees, and more. 

Your Next Steps

Apply Now Strengthen Your Application Important Dates

Program Details

About the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science

Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science lets you combine technical training with learning in another area, typically from the Faculty of Arts. It’s an opportunity to give yourself an edge in career markets where employers often seek people who can analyze and communicate effectively as well as code.

Your first-year courses in Computer Science and Math will give you a solid understanding of the basic principles of computer science while your Arts courses will let you explore your complementary interests.

Laurier's Computer Science program exposes you to not just the software, but also to the hardware that underlies the system, giving you a fundamental understanding of digital systems and microprocessors, and an appreciation for the interaction between the hardware and the software.

Further Details

The combined honours BA in Computer Science program consists of 20.0 credits, of which not more than 6.0 may be taken at the 100 level. A minimum of 7.0 senior Computer Science credits is required.

While exposure to high school computer science is useful, the first-year Computer Science courses at Laurier provide you with the necessary background.

Computer Science is also offered as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, which further develops strong algorithm analysis and design skills in procedural, object-oriented and low-level languages.

Program Options and Courses

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
  • Management Option
  • Mathematics Minor

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Sample First-Year Courses

  • Calculus I
  • Data Structures I
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Introductory Linear Algebra

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Our Digital Earth
  • UX Strategy

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Algorithm Design and Analysis I
  • Database I
  • Discrete Structures for Computer Science

Similar Programs

Co-op

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.

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.

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"Smaller classes, great options for co-op and a lot of hands-on experience through labs make it all around a great program. Software engineering, machine learning, AI, big data – you can really make the degree what you want it to be."

Connor Kint, current student

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"Laurier truly feels like a community. Everyone around me is here to make sure I succeed."

Tayania, Computer Science and Business

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.

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.

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 519.884.0710 x3385 or see all contact information.

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