3 programs, side by side

+ Add a program	McMaster Engineering I - Software Engineering OUAC MES ☆ Add to planRemove	Guelph Computer Science (BComp) Honours (co-op option) OUAC GCT ☆ Add to planRemove	Waterloo Computer Science (Regular/Co-op) OUAC WCS ☆ Add to planRemove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	87%“A minimum of 87% is required for consideration. Admission is by selection.”Admission by selection — the real bar may sit above this	85–90%“85 to 90%”	90–97%“Low to Mid-90s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4UMCV4USCH4USPH4U	ENG4UMCV4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	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". Alternative Offers +1 more on the program page	Any Grade 12 U English Advanced Functions Calculus and Vectors One other Grade 12 U course
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes OUAC application deadline: January 15, 2027 Mandatory supplementary application Usually closes before January 15	Marks only	Yes An Admission Information Form (AIF) is required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. You are strongly encouraged to write the Euclid Mathematics Contest and the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest. Individual selection may vary. Usually closes before January 15
Co-op	Available	Available	Available
Degree	Bachelor of Engineering, BEng, Bachelor of Engineering and Management, BEng&Mgt, Bachelor of Engineering and Society, BEngSoc	—	Bachelor of Computer Science, BCS, Bachelor of Mathematics, BMath
First-year intakewhere published	—	—	360
What you study	Software Engineering	Computer ScienceInformation SystemsSoftware Engineering	Artificial IntelligenceComputer GamesComputer ScienceHealth Informatics
What it is	You study how to design, build, and test software systems that solve real problems. Software engineering goes beyond pure coding to include planning, teamwork, and understanding what users actually need. This program includes mandatory co-op work terms where you apply what you learn in paid positions, and you can choose a degree stream that adds management skills or explores the social impact of technology alongside the technical core.	This program teaches you how to design, build, and test software and computer systems. You learn programming, algorithms, data structures, and how computers work at a fundamental level. The co-op option requires you to complete paid work terms at companies alongside your studies, giving you real workplace experience before you graduate — something most computer science programs don't mandate.	You study the design, development, and theory behind computer software and systems. In the co-op stream, you alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms at tech companies, giving you practical experience alongside your degree. This program suits people who want to build real-world coding skills early and explore whether they prefer software development, artificial intelligence, games, or other computing specializations while earning money.
The door tomajors you reach through it	software engineering	computer science	computer science
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 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	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.