Computer Science (BA in Combination)

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.
  • If you choose to combine your Computer Science program with a program that offers co-op, you can apply for a co-op at the end of your first 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

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.

Your Path to Medical School

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Get one step closer to your medical school dreams at Laurier!

Our pathway agreement with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) means you’re automatically granted an admissions interview to the AUC School of Medicine if you meet all academic requirements. Upon graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to write exams to practice medicine in Canada, the UK or the United States.

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.

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

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.