Co‑op
The Master of Applied Computing (MAC) is an advanced computing degree that adapts to the ever-changing technological landscape. Shape the future of technology through a theoretical, practical and in-demand program focused on mobile, enterprise, data mining and machine learning. Learn from faculty with expertise in algorithms, symbolic computation, embedded systems, networking, image processing, system-on-a-chip, security and quantum computing. The MAC program helps you stand out in the job market and shows employers you have the advanced knowledge and skills to create technological solutions.
The full-time coursework option is offered at the Brantford campus. You can also choose a part-time or online coursework option to fit your schedule. Thesis and co-op options are available at the Waterloo campus.
Learn theory and practice from expert faculty members.
Choose from full-time or part-time program options.
Study near a network of industry leading employers.
Apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to coursework projects, capstone course project, or in the field through a co-op placement.
Through this “dream it, build it” philosophy, develop the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed.
Employers note that graduates of traditional computing or computer science master’s degrees may have less practical experience. Use case studies, project-based courses and co-operative education opportunities to develop the skills that set you apart from graduates of theory-only degrees.
Each program option offers a variety of courses and learning pathways to complete your MAC degree. And with the choice to study in Brantford, Waterloo or online, you’re sure to find the option that works best for your academic preferences and overall lifestyle.
Full-time Coursework Options
In the full-time coursework option, you complete nine courses. It is anticipated that it will take four terms (16 months) to complete this degree.
Required courses include:
A description of each course can be found on the MAC course offerings list.
Part-time Coursework Option
In the part-time coursework option, you complete nine courses. It is anticipated that it will take five to nine terms (20 to 36 months) to complete this degree.
Required courses include:
A description of each required course can be found on the MAC course offerings list.
With the approval of the graduate coordinator and the AVP/dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, you may choose some of your electives from courses offered in other master’s programs at Laurier. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the graduate coordinator.
In the full-time thesis option, you complete four courses along with your thesis. It is anticipated that it will take five terms (20 months) to complete this degree.
Required courses include:
A description of each required course can be found on the MAC course offerings list.
In the full-time co-op option, you complete seven courses as well as a paid co-op placement in terms three and four. It is anticipated that it will take five terms (20 months) to complete this degree.
After completing two terms of study, you complete your co-op placement. After your co-op placement, you return for one final academic term to complete your capstone project.
Required courses include:
A description of each required course can be found on the MAC course offerings list.
In the part-time coursework option, you complete nine courses. It is anticipated that you take one to two courses per term and take five to nine terms (20 to 36 months) to complete the degree.
Required courses include:
A description of each required course can be found on the MAC course offerings list..
With the approval of the graduate coordinator and the AVP/dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, you may choose some of your electives from courses offered in other master’s programs at Laurier. You can also be considered for CP680: Capstone Project if you are interested. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the graduate coordinator.
To be as flexible as possible, in-person exams can be written at Laurier’s Brantford, Milton or Waterloo campuses. If you are located more than 100 kilometres from a Laurier campus, you can arrange for an in-person proctor close to your location. More details can be found here.
As you consider the next steps in your education, we want to support you along the way. Our emails have the updates, insights and information you need to make the decision that's best for you.
Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate program options. Follow our three-step admission process, where we walk you through applying, accepting and preparing for your first day as a graduate student.
Applications are assessed until the application deadline or until the program is full. Only complete applications (which include the OUAC application and all required documents) will be assessed. Admission assessments begin as soon as a complete application is received so you are encouraged to apply early.
Additional Thesis Option Requirements
To increase your chance of acceptance, identify a thesis supervisor before applying. Learn about the research interests of our faculty members on our departmental research page. You can also review the theses of previous Laurier MAC students to help guide your choice.
Additional Co-op Option Requirements
Students interested in completing a co-op placement must apply for the co-op option. There is no option to switch to co-op after admission.
After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from Wilfrid Laurier University advising you to upload the additional required documentation to your applicant portal.
An application for admission to our Master of Applied Computing coursework program must include:
Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.
Tuition Deposits
As an international applicant, a tuition deposit is required after you have accepted your offer of admission to the MAC program. Please do not pay your tuition deposit until you have accepted your offer.
Study Permits
If you have questions about the study permit application process, including questions about the updated financial requirements, you can connect with an International Student Advisor for a 1-on-1 meeting. You can also register to attend a monthly study permit application webinar.
After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS).
Your application for admission to our Master of Applied Computing co-op or thesis option must include:
Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.
Tuition Deposits
As an international applicant, a tuition deposit is required after you have accepted your offer of admission to the MAC program. Please do not pay your tuition deposit until you have accepted your offer.
Study Permits
If you have questions about the study permit application process, including questions about the updated financial requirements, you can connect with an International Student Advisor for a 1-on-1 meeting. You can also register to attend a monthly study permit application webinar.
Applications are assessed until the application deadline or until the program is full. Admission assessments begin as soon as a complete application is received so you are encouraged to apply early. Only complete applications (which includes the OUAC application and all required documents) will be assessed.
Coursework Application Deadlines (Domestic)
Winter 2027 Start
Spring 2027 Start
Fall 2027 Start
Winter 2028 Start
Coursework Application Deadlines (International)
Winter 2027 Start
Spring 2027 Start
Fall 2027 Start
Winter 2028 Start
For both streams, all applications are ranked, and offers are made after the application deadline.
Coop Application Deadlines (Domestic)
Fall 2027 Start
Coop Application Deadlines (International)
Fall 2027 Start
Thesis Application Deadlines (Domestic)
Fall 2027 Start
Thesis Application Deadlines (International)
Fall 2027 Start
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. Please review the English Proficiency Requirements for Admission.
Students applying to the coursework stream who need to submit proof of English proficiency can submit their test scores through their applicant portal.
Students applying to the thesis or co-op streams who need to submit proof of English proficiency can submit their test scores through LORIS.
Questions? Contact MACadvising@wlu.ca.
“The best part of the program is studying the trends: machine learning, AI, importance of data and all the latest technologies.”
Aryan Mehulkumar Patel, current MAC student
Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.
“The faculty are very helpful in all ways possible. You get a clear understanding and build more knowledge in the courses they teach.”
Niken Patel, current MAC student
This program can lead to careers such as:
ASPIRE is with you every step of the way – from before you arrive on campus to graduation – with dedicated grad student support for community building, wellness education, skills development, and career success.
Learn about the research interests of our faculty members on our departmental research page. You may want to review the research interests of each individual faculty member to determine if they would be a good fit as a thesis supervisor. Contact individual faculty members if you are interested in research or supervision opportunities after you review their research interests. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact macadvising@wlu.ca.
If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team.
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