4 programs, side by side

Full	McMaster Computer Science I OUAC MC ☆ Add to planRemove	York Cybersecurity (BSc - Co-op available) OUAC YPR ☆ Add to planRemove	Guelph Bachelor of Computing (BComp) General OUAC GCG ☆ 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	80–83%“Low 80s”	85–90%“85 to 90%”	90–97%“Low- to mid-90s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4UMCV4U	ENG4UMHF4U	ENG4UMCV4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	one of SCH4U, SPH4U	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U	Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) ENG4U SCH4U or SPH4U MHF4U Another 4U Math (MCV4U recommended) +7 more on the program page	ENG4U MCV4U 4 additional 4U/M courses Computing courses are recommended, as are any other courses necessary to prepare for study in an "Area of Application".	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	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	No	Available
Degree	—	—	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	—	20	—	127
What you study	Computer Science	Artificial IntelligenceComputer ScienceSoftware Engineering	Computer ScienceSoftware 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.	You study how to protect computer systems and networks from cyberattacks by learning programming, software design, and artificial intelligence techniques. Unlike a general computer science degree, this program is built around real-world security problems and includes a co-op work term, so you apply what you learn in actual jobs while still studying. It suits people who want hands-on technical experience and are interested in the growing field of protecting digital information.	A BComp General program teaches you the core theory and practice of building software and computer systems. Unlike specialized streams, this version lets you choose your own focus area — whether that's artificial intelligence, games, web development, or something else — rather than following a set path. It suits students who want solid computer science foundations and the freedom to explore different applications before committing to a specific specialization.	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	Applied to directly	software engineering
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	29 published, 4 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	12 published, 4 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	York University on OUInfo	University of Guelph 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.