Business Administration (BBA) + Computer Science (BCS), University of Waterloo

The Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Laurier and the Cheriton School of Computer Science at UWaterloo have teamed up to offer a powerhouse double-degree program. Explore every facet of business—accounting, finance, marketing, human resources and more—while also mastering computer programming, software engineering, algorithms, data structures and the social implications of computing.

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:

  • Graduate with an Edge
    In just five years, you'll earn both a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS), giving you a competitive edge for high-impact careers in business and technology.
  • Teaching Excellence 
    In Laurier’s business program, you’ll learn from distinguished professors and industry executives who deliver training grounded in the realities of today’s business world. Paired with the University of Waterloo’s world-class Cheriton School of Computer Science, this double degree combines the strengths of both institutions to give you a unique and highly sought-after blend of business insight and advanced technical skills.
  • Accomplished Alumni
    With more than 600 alumni who are Presidents or CEOs and over 2,000 alumni who have founded their own companies, you’ll benefit from a strong and supportive network that opens doors to opportunities and mentorship.

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
    Take part in our awarded co-op program, gaining 12 to 16 months of work experience while earning two degrees in five years.
  • Live Case Solving Real Problems
    In your very first semester, you'll work in a group to answer a strategic business question posed by a real company.
  • Experiential Competitions
    Throughout your degree, you'll gain hands-on experience through team-based competitions that build your business skills. In the BDO Future Leaders Challenge, first year students collaborate to create and pitch a new business concept and plan. In your third year during the Integrated Case Exercise (ICE), you will tackle a live case from a real company, analyzing challenges and presenting strategic solutions.
  • World of Opportunities (WOO):
    A dynamic half-day conference where 4th year students collaborate in teams to develop and present poster proposals. Each group explores international business opportunities, identifying how a Canadian company could successfully enter a new, assigned global market.

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Courses

  • Understanding the Business Environment
  • Critical Thinking and Communication Skills
  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Introduction to Mathematics for Finance
  • Calculus I and II
  • Introduction to Mathematical Proofs

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Windows Application Programming
  • Human Resources Management
  • Ethics and Professional Practice in Computer Science

Concentrations

You'll build a solid foundation and become a well-rounded business and computer science graduate. Within your BBA courses, you also also have the opportunity to choose one of the 9 concentrations in upper years:

  • Accounting
  • Business and Sustainability
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Insurance and Risk Management
  • Marketing
  • Strategic Management
  • Supply Chain Management
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AACSB Accreditation

The Lazaridis BBA program is offered by the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – delivering on excellence and the highest standards for business schools in the world. 

 

Admissions

  • Format: full time
  • Duration: five years
  • Start: September (fall term)

You must meet the requirements of both programs to be accepted. If you choose to apply to Laurier and accept Laurier’s offer of admission, your main campus will be Laurier and you will automatically be entered into Laurier’s business degree co-op program, the largest business co-op program in Canada. You’ll take classes at both universities and receive a student card from both universities for convenience.

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.

  • application developer
  • business analyst
  • chief information officer
  • computer security specialist
  • cyber security specialist
  • project manager
  • research engineer
  • security systems programmer
  • software developer/engineer
  • technology consultant

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.

As a student in this program, you’ll be required to take part in Canada’s largest business degree co-op program, gaining 12 to 16 months of work experience while earning these two degrees in only five years.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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99%employment rate for co‑op students – 2024 / 2025

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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 Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

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. With more than 60 programs in arts, science, business and music, you can customize your degree, gain hands-on learning opportunities and join in the community beyond the classroom.

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.

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Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

You can complete your program primarily through in-person courses where you will attend classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses. 

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, 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?