3 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.

	Waterloo Systems Design Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WD Remove	Western Media & Communications Studies OUAC EI Remove	Brock Data Science and Analytics – Financial Analytics OUAC BFA Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	87–93%“High 80s to low 90s”	80–87%“Low to mid 80s”	77–80%“High 70s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U	ENG4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)	English, ENG4U	ENG4U Two 4U math (min. 75% in each) Alternative Offers You will receive an offer of admission to only 1 program. Your highest listed choice is considered first when you indicate more than 1 Brock program on your application. If you are not eligible for your first choice, your subsequent choices will be considered in your indicated order of preference. In most cases: If you apply to only 1 Brock program but do not qualify, you will be considered for an alternative or related program. If you apply but are not admitted to a co-op program, you will automatically be considered for the regular, non-co-op program.
More than marks?supplementary application	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. Also considered: Involvement in extracurricular activities in school or community, evidence of interest in engineering and strong performance in mathematics, science or engineering-related competitions. Usually closes before January 15	Marks only	Marks only
Co-op	Available	Available	Available
Degree	—	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	94	300	—
What you study	Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Design General or Integrated Engineering	Information Systems Information Technology Media and Communication StudiesOthers in Technology	Artificial Intelligence Computer Science Finance Information Systems
What it is	This program teaches you to design and build complex systems — often combining software, hardware, human behaviour, and business — that solve real-world problems. Unlike a traditional engineering program focused on one discipline, it blends computer science, design thinking, and management so you learn how systems work across multiple fields. It suits students who want engineering skills but prefer understanding how all the pieces fit together and spending time working in industry during their degree.	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.	You study how to use data and statistical tools to solve problems in finance and banking. The program combines computer science, mathematics, and finance, so you learn to build models and analyze trends rather than just learning finance theory or coding separately. It includes paid work terms with employers, giving you real experience before you graduate. This suits people who want a technical, analytical career in financial institutions or companies that rely on data to make decisions.
The door tomajors you reach through it	Applied to directly	communications	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	6 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 85%See them	4 published, 1 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	Western University on OUInfo	Brock University 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.