Computer Science takes theory and brings it to life in practical applications.

Honours Computer Science is a direct-entry four-year program where students learn programming, software design, systems and theoretical foundations. In five practice and experience courses, the emphasis at McMaster is on lab-based exploration and discovery, including expanded coverage of practical topics such as profiling and tuning, and foundational topics such as operating systems and compilers.

With our totally redesigned first-year curriculum, featuring five computer science, three math, and two electives courses, you’ll start gaining specialized knowledge right away and are more employable in co-op positions after first year. By covering foundational topics earlier on, you’ll have space to take specialized elective courses in or outside of your field in upper years.

Your co-op, your way!

Every student has access to the co-op program. The best part? You decide when you would like to complete co-op and we’ll help you get there.

How it works:

Your professional career starts in your first year with an introductory non-credit co-op course.

Throughout the year, a team of 18 staff from the Engineering Co-op and Career Services office connect with more than 1,000 employers, bringing them directly to you through over 300 virtual and in-person workshops and events annually. We also work with you to help navigate the career exploration, job search, application, interview and offer process.

Beginning as early as the summer after your first year, you can begin completing four-month co-op positions. After your third year, you’ll have the option to complete longer, more immersive eight-, 12- or 16-month positions.

Twelve months of co-op is needed to graduate with the designation on your degree, but you can gain up to 28 months of work experience before graduating.

Fast Facts:

• $50k average annual salary $23/hr average hourly rate
• 2,000+ students are on co-op each year around the world!
• 98% of employers would hire another MacEng student
• 4,000+ positions are posted each year, which means the opportunities are endless
• The only university in the world to offer an Employer of the Week series

Top co-op partners:

IBM, Google, Microsoft, ArcelorMittal, Ontario Power Generation, Bell Canada, Hatch, McAfee, Advanced MicroDevices