3 programs, side by side

+ Add a program	McMaster Computer Science I OUAC MC ☆ Add to planRemove	Queen's Smith Engineering - Direct Entry Computer Engineering OUAC QEC ☆ Add to planRemove	Waterloo Software Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WSO ☆ Add to planRemove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	90%“A minimum of 90% is required for consideration. Admission is by selection.”Admission by selection — the real bar may sit above this	90–93%“Low 90s”	90–97%“Low- to mid-90s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4UMCV4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U	ENG4U MCV4U SPH4U SCH4U MHF4U	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes OUAC application deadline: January 15, 2027 To be considered for this program, a mandatory supplementary application Usually closes before January 15	Marks only	Yes NEW: All Engineering program applications require an online video interview. You will receive more information after you apply. An Admission Information Form is also required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required, as demonstrated by at least 1 of the following: strong performance in a programming course such as ICS3U, ICS4U or equivalent; strong performance in a programming contest; significant work experience; other (must be explained on the Admission Information Form). Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	Available	Available	Available
Degree	—	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	—	40	127
What you study	Computer Science	Computer ScienceElectronic & Electrical EngineeringGeneral or Integrated EngineeringSoftware Engineering	Artificial IntelligenceComputer ScienceInformation SystemsInformation Technology
What it is	Computer Science I is an introductory computer science program where you learn programming, algorithms, and core computational concepts. It differs from some other programs because it includes a mandatory co-op component, giving you paid work experience in tech roles alongside your studies. This program suits students who want hands-on industry experience early and are curious about whether computer science matches their strengths before committing to upper-year specializations.	Smith Engineering's direct-entry computer engineering program lets you study the design and programming of computing systems from the ground up, combining software development with the electronics and electrical principles that make hardware work. Unlike applying to general engineering first, you enter this stream directly and follow a focused path in computer engineering throughout your degree. It suits students who are confident they want to build or optimize computer systems and hardware, not just write software in isolation.	You study how to design, build, and maintain large software systems using engineering principles and mathematics. This co-op stream requires you to alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms in industry, giving you real project experience alongside your degree. It suits people who want hands-on experience, enjoy problem-solving with code, and are ready to balance school with regular full-time work placements.
The door tomajors you reach through it	computer science	Applied to directly	software engineering
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	None published by average	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	Queen's University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo

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.