Why Choose McMaster’s Computer Science Program?

• Strong academics: Comprehensive focus on programming, software design, systems, and theory
• Bright future: Our students become skilled systems analysts, database specialists, software developers, and system administrators
• Experiential learning: Our students take theoretical foundations and bring it to life in practical applications
• Customizable co-op: Flexible co-op program that allows you to design your own degree.

The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) provides comprehensive support, offering the knowledge and opportunities needed to build career confidence. It will be your go-to place for total career empowerment.

The Centre has a suite of offerings, including co-op programs across all engineering disciplines, dynamic student engagement initiatives and support for experiential learning opportunities like clubs and teams.

Our approach is rooted in career development theory and practice, ensuring personalized paths to success through immersive industry experiences and skill-building opportunities.
 

How co-op works 

Your professional career starts right from your first year with an engaging introductory career planning and employment course. Throughout the year, our dedicated team at the Centre connects with more than 1,000 employers, bringing them directly to you through 250+ virtual and in-person workshops and events. We’re here to support you every step of the way — from career exploration and job search to applications, interviews and offers.

Starting as early as the summer after your first year, you can embark on a four-month-long co-op. After your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into longer, more immersive co-op experiences lasting eight, 12 or 16 months.

Skill-building experiences 

Whether you’re interested in a technical challenge or cultivating community on an identity-based club, these enriching experiences help develop essential skills like leadership, communication and problem-solving that are highly sought after by employers 

 The Hatch Centre  

Feel the energy in the Gerald Hatch Centre for Engineering Experiential Learning. This 28,000-sq ft space is home to the McMaster Engineering Society and many of our affiliated clubs and teams. Brainstorm, collaborate and bring ideas to life in student-run rooms, lounges and garages 

Academic credit 

Not just passion projects. You can earn course credit (3CX3 and 4EX3) for participating in both technical and non-technical clubs and teams

Global impact 

Our impact defies borders. Building on our rich history, we’re an innovative education and research community committed to discovery and improving the world around us. We believe that human and societal health and well-being depends on diverse perspectives and ideas. We’re proud of our global connections.

Our international student community represents more than 100 countries, and we’ve established research partnerships with universities worldwide. We support student clubs and teams that compete internationally, facilitate global exchanges
and co-op opportunities, and graduate students who go on to work across the world. 

Groundbreaking research 

Mac Eng is one of Canada’s most research-intensive Faculties. Our people are leading advancements in nuclear energy, antibiotic alternatives, cultured meat, hydrogen energy, electric vehicles, recyclable materials and more. We’re home to the largest-in-Canada undergraduate research program, which allows students to:

• Participate in research as early as first year
• Access more than 50 Engineering Research Experience Scholarships issued with major entrance scholarships
• Be one of more than 200 undergraduate researchers each year working on teams making cutting-edge discoveries  

Inspiring innovation 

On-campus incubators like The Forge@Mac and The Clinic are dedicated to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs every step of the way. The majority of budding businesses connected to The Forge are affiliated with McMaster Engineering.

The Faculty of Engineering offers $2,500,000+ in entrance scholarships and research awards to students entering a Level 1 Faculty of Engineering program. Only one application is required to be considered for all eligible awards! 

Scholarships available include Dean’s Excellence Awards and Big Ideas Awards, as well as scholarships for participation in organizations like SHAD, FIRST Robotics, and DECA. Open to both domestic and international students. See full details here. 

What you’ll take:

• Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science (COMPSCI 1DM3)
• Introduction to Computational Thinking (COMPSCI 1JC3)
• Introduction to Programming (COMPSCI 1MD3)
• Computer Science Practice and Experience: Development Basics (COMPSCI 1XC3)
• Computer Science Practice and Experience: Introduction to Software Design Using Web Programming (COMPSCI 1XD3)
• Linear Algebra I (MATH 1B03)
• Engineering Mathematics I (MATH 1ZA3)
• Engineering Mathematics II-A (MATH 1ZB3)
• 6 units of electives

Learn more about your requirements for Computer Science I.

In this program, you have the flexibility to take 30 units as open elective courses, allowing you to easily complete a minor alongside your degree. In your upper years, you’ll choose 18 units of technical electives from a variety of advanced courses such as Machine Learning or Software Entrepreneurship. The program culminates in a capstone project, for which you’ll apply your learning to a comprehensive, real-world challenge. 

Approximately 25% (30 units) of your Computer Science degree is open electives, with means completing a minor in another field is very possible with proper planning. From sustainability to innovation, there are more than 50 options to choose from! 

For a full list of courses that can be available in this program, please consult the academic calendar.