Computer Science
A versatile, high-earning degree that opens doors to every industry - though entry-level tech hiring has tightened.
You'll study algorithms, data structures, programming languages, operating systems, and software design from first principles. The degree is heavily theoretical in early years before branching into specialisations like AI, systems, security, and databases. Canadian CS programs are world-class - Waterloo and UofT are in the global top 20.
Admission Average
high 80s to high 90s depending on school (Tier 1 (92%+))
Typical High School Prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- One additional U/M course
- Computer Science (recommended)
Skills You'll Build
- Programming (multiple languages)
- Algorithm & Data Structure Design
- Debugging & Testing
- Systems Thinking
- Mathematical Reasoning
Program Facts
- Typical length: 4 years
- Co-op available: Yes
- Graduate school: Common path
- Demand outlook: Stable Growth
Top Universities
- University of Waterloo – Waterloo, ON
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of Alberta – Edmonton, AB
Computer Science Admission Averages by University
- Computer Science at University of Waterloo – high 90s (95-98%+)
- Computer Science at University of Toronto – low-to-mid 90s
- Computer Science at University of British Columbia – high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP)
- Computer Science at McGill University – low-to-mid 90s
- Computer Science (DIRO) at Université de Montréal – high 80s-low 90s
- Computer Science at McMaster University – high 80s
- Computer Science at Western University – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Ottawa – high 80s
- Computer Science at Carleton University – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Guelph – high 80s
- Computer Science at Wilfrid Laurier University – high 80s
- Computer Science at Brock University – high 80s
- Computer Science at Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Windsor – high 80s
- Computer Science (Lassonde) at York University – high 80s
- Computer Science at Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Victoria – high 80s
- Computer Science at Concordia University – high 80s
- Computer Science at Université Laval – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Calgary – high 80s
- Computer Science at Dalhousie University – high 80s
- Computer Science at Acadia University – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Manitoba – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Saskatchewan – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Regina – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of New Brunswick – high 80s
- Computer Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland – high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Northern BC – mid-to-high 80s
- Computer Science at Thompson Rivers University – mid-to-high 80s
- Computer Science at MacEwan University – mid-to-high 80s
- Applied Computer Science at University of Winnipeg – mid-to-high 80s
- Computer Science at University of Prince Edward Island – mid-to-high 80s
Careers This Major Leads To
- Software Engineer – Entry $85,000
- Data Scientist – Entry $70,000
- AI / Machine Learning Engineer – Entry $95,000
- Cybersecurity Analyst – Entry $75,000
- Game Developer – Entry $65,000