4 programs, side by side

Rows marked with a dot are where these differ. Everything is each university’s own published wording; the “your average” row is yours, calculated the way each program does it.

Full	Laurentian Architectural Studies OUAC LDA Remove	Western Media & Communications Studies OUAC EI Remove	York Information Technology (BA - Co-op available) OUAC YFM Remove	Ottawa Biotechnologie (biochimie et génie chimique) (Double grade – 5 ans) OUAC OSX Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	75%	80–87%“Low to mid 80s”	80–83%“Low 80s”	78%
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U	ENG4U	ENG4U	MCV4U MHF4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	one of MCV4U, MDM4U, MHF4U	—	—	one of ENG4U, FRA4U two of SBI4U, SCH4U, SES4U, SPH4U
Prerequisitesas published	1 grade 12 English U/M course (ENG 4U) 2 grade 12 4U/M Math courses 3 other grade 12 U/M courses Statement of Interest and Portfolio A minimum overall average of 75% in the 6 best grade 12 U/M courses +1 more on the program page	English, ENG4U	Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) ENG4U Any 4U Math* 4 additional 4U or 4M courses * +6 more on the program page	FRA4U or ENG4U MHF4U MCV4U 2 of SPH4U, SCH4U, SBI4U, SES4U A combined minimum average of 70% is required for all prerequisites in science and mathematics. +3 more on the program page
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes In addition to meeting the academic requirements below, applicants must submit: A portfolio to demonstrate their creativity and skills A statement of interest (500-1000 words) to explain their interest in architecture as well as their choice of Laurentian University/McEwen School of Architecture Usually closes before January 15	Marks only	Marks only	Marks only
Co-op	Available	Available	Available	Available
Degree	—	—	—	Bachelor of Science (Co-op), BSc (Co-op), Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Applied Science, BSc/BASc
First-year intakewhere published	—	300	125	—
What you study	Architecture	Information Systems Information Technology Media and Communication StudiesOthers in Technology	Information SystemsOthers in Technology	Biotechnology Chemical Engineering Chemistry Genetics
What it is	Architectural Studies teaches you how to design buildings and spaces, from sketching initial ideas to understanding how they're built and function. This program includes paid work terms where you apply what you're learning at real architecture firms alongside your classroom studies. It suits students who combine creative design thinking with interest in how buildings work technically and who want practical experience before or alongside their formal studies.	This program combines the study of media, communication, and information technology — learning how messages are created, shared, and understood across digital and traditional platforms alongside practical IT skills. The co-op requirement means you alternate between classroom terms and paid work placements in media, tech, or communications companies, giving you real industry experience alongside your degree. It suits students interested in how technology shapes storytelling and public conversation, who want hands-on workplace experience before graduating.	This program teaches you how to design, build, and manage computer systems and software that businesses use to solve real problems. Unlike a Computer Science degree, which focuses more on programming theory and algorithms, Information Technology emphasizes the practical application side — how to choose the right tools, set up networks, and support users. The co-op option lets you earn money and gain workplace experience while you study, which suits people who want to see their learning in action before graduation.	This five-year program combines biotechnology and chemical engineering, so you study both how to manipulate living systems at the molecular level and how to design and scale up chemical processes. Unlike a straight biochemistry degree, you learn practical engineering skills for industrial production and apply them through mandatory co-op work terms. It suits students who want to bridge pure science and hands-on problem-solving in fields like pharmaceuticals, food processing, or biofuels.
The door tomajors you reach through it	architecture	communications	Applied to directly	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	6 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	6 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 85%See them	29 published, 4 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	22 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 75%See them
Source	Laurentian University on OUInfo	Western University on OUInfo	York University on OUInfo	University of Ottawa on OUInfo

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Ranges are what each university publishes, not guaranteed cutoffs, and limited-enrolment programs often admit above them. Confirm anything you are about to act on with the university; each column links to its source.