What is the acceptance rate for McMaster Computer Science I?

McMaster Computer Science I

McMaster University

The published admission average for Computer Science I at McMaster University is 90% for September 2027 entry, under OUAC code MC. This program also requires a supplementary application.

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.

Plain-English summary. The universities publish requirements but not an explanation of the program, so this one is written for you and checked against the official listing above. Read the university’s own page before you decide.

Admission average

90%

OUAC code

Study options

Co-op

McMaster University publishes this as “A minimum of 90% is required for consideration. Admission is by selection.” — and notes the average actually needed can sit above the published figure.

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Supplementary application requiredCo-op available

What’s the McMaster Computer Science I acceptance rate?

McMaster University doesn't publish an acceptance rate for Computer Science I, and no Ontario university publishes one for any program. What it publishes is the admission average: 90% for September 2027 entry. McMaster acceptance rate, program by program

Admission requirements

Required: ENG4U, MCV4U

McMaster’s own wording

English 4U
Calculus & Vectors 4U
See Ontario high school course codes.

How many other programs require these outright:

Also required

OUAC application deadline: January 15, 2027
To be considered for this program, a mandatory
supplementary application
is required by January 28, 2027
Alternative Offers
If you are interested in specific alternative programs, include your choice(s) on your OUAC application. McMaster will give full consideration to each program selection.

What it costs

First-year tuition at McMaster is $6,163.20 for an Ontario student in arts and science in 2026–27. Engineering and iBioMed, Level 1 ($12,694.70) and Integrated Business and Humanities ($10,293) cost more. McMaster tuition, program by program

Source: McMaster University on Ontario Universities’ Info. Grade ranges change year to year and are not guarantees — confirm with the university before you apply.

What this leads to

The picture for computer science as of 2026-08-17, not a description of this particular program.

Software engineers and developers design system hardware requirements and software applications, utilizing principles of computer science theory and practice and analysing processes to implement effective changes. Machine Learning Engineers design, build, train, and deploy ML models into production systems.

In its favour

Entry-level graduates can earn around $98,000 on average, with significant upside as you gain experience
You're training for the jobs actually hiring: cloud engineers, AI architects, data scientists, and ML developers are all on Robert Half Canada's high-growth list for 2026
AI tools are now part of standard development workflows, not a niche skill—80% of engineering organizations rely on AI-assisted tools, so you'll learn this during your degree

Worth knowing

Entry-level developer salaries in Ontario are around $63,000, not the $98,000 average—it takes years of experience to reach that figure
Junior developers aged 22 to 25 saw a 20% drop in employment from late 2022 to mid-2025, showing the market for fresh grads is tightening
Routine coding tasks are being automated: 40% of coding tasks are already being automated, and 45% more could be by 2030—you need to specialise in system design, architecture, or AI work to be competitive
The fastest-growing roles (software engineering, cybersecurity, data science) take years of experience to break into; they're hard to fill precisely because they require depth, not entry-level hires

How AI is changing this work

AI is automating routine coding and testing but creating new roles in AI architecture, machine learning, and system design that require deeper problem-solving. Most of your degree will teach you to write code by hand, but that work is being done increasingly by AI tools—the real demand is for people who can design systems and integrate AI, not people who can code basic features. If you graduate with only traditional programming skills, you will compete directly against tools that are getting better every semester. The degree is still worth it, but only if you use it to specialise in something beyond "I can code," like data systems, cloud infrastructure, or AI integration.

Where this came from (6 sources)

Deadline reminders

This program needs a supplementary application, and those close before the January OUAC deadline — some in early December. We’ll email you before the ones that apply to Computer Science I.

We send your email address and the programs you’ve starred, so the reminders are the right ones. Your marks and your average are never sent — they stay in this browser. Deadline emails only, a week before and the day before each date, and every one has a link to stop them.

Similar ranges, similar subjects

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