Degrees We Offer

Computer Science applies the power of computers to today's problems. From searching through the vast amount of information on the web (database management) to creating new special effects for movies (computer graphics), to designing the next generation of programming languages, Computer Science explores the theoretical and practical limits of what can be solved.

The computer science program at UW covers the fundamentals of the discipline while giving students opportunities in later years to tailor their studies to specific interests. Students have significant breadth and depth of choice in both theoretical and applied courses, reflecting the diverse expertise of our professors. The School of Computer Science offers the following 5 degree programs:

The Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) program is aimed at students who want a solid understanding of computer science, with the flexibility to choose from a wide range of elective courses. If you wish, you may choose from a number of recognized options, such as Bioinformatics, Business, Digital Hardware, Health Informatics, Software Engineering, and Teaching which provide concentration in specific areas. You may also design your own plan to focus on other areas of interest.

The Bachelor of Mathematics - Computer Science (BMath/CS) program combines Waterloo's strengths in both mathematics and computer science by enhancing the BCS requirements with supporting courses with mathematical content. If you wish, you may take also combine this degree with an option in Business, Digital Hardware, Health Informatics, or Teaching.

The BMath/CS is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Council and the BCS is designed for accreditation (to occur when the first class of students graduate). Please see the academic calendar for a more complete overview.

You will make the choice between the BCS and BMath/CS after first year.

The Bachelor of Computing and Financial Management (BCFM), offered jointly by the School of Computer Science and the School of Accountancy, gives students a strong core background in computer science as well as accounting and financial management. With knowledge of both areas, graduates will be prepared to fill the demands of the financial services sector for risk management services, software systems for secure transactions, fraud and money laundering detection, and management of large database systems. Choice in the upper year courses allows students to specialize in a variety of areas, and by careful selection of optional courses, graduates can go on to graduate studies in these disciplines.

The Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) degree program is a highly focused alternative to the Software Engineering Option that combines the University's strengths in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. Students in this program take courses in each of the Faculty of Mathematics and the Faculty of Engineering, including courses designed specifically for BSE students. This program is accredited by both the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board and the Computer Science Accreditation Council. In addition to background in mathematics, engineering, and computer science, students cover fundamental concepts of software design and evaluation, project management, and technical documentation.

New in 2010!

The Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Computer Science Double Degree (BBA/BCS) program is offered jointly by the Cheriton School of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo and the School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. This is a new and unique program that offers two highly respected degrees from two outstanding institutions. Graduates of this program will meet the demand from today's information rich society for personnel with both computer science and business management knowledge.

As a student registered in this program, you will be taking courses at both UW and WLU, concentrating in computer science and business administration. After only 10 school terms and 4 to 5 co-op work terms, you will have earned an honours BCS (co-op) from UW and simultaneously an honours BBA from Wilfrid Laurier. Some of your courses will cover fundamental mathematics, computer programming, data structures, algorithms, computer organization, software engineering, operating systems, and social implications of computing. These are complemented by courses in finance, operations, accounting, marketing, organizational behaviour, modes of business communication, law, human resource management, and business policy.

David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1

Tel: 519-888-4567 x33293
Fax: 519-885-1208

Contact | Feedback: cs-webmaster@cs.uwaterloo.ca | David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science | Faculty of Mathematics

Last modified: Wednesday, 07-Dec-2011 10:00:08 EST

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