Program Overview

Computer Science Program Overview

The Computer Science program at McMaster University is a direct-entry, four-year general program in computing that explores how computer hardware and software solve problems, manage information, connect people, and create smart products. With a strong foundation in computing theory and practice, graduates are prepared for careers in tech, business, law, medicine, and research.

Program Structure

• Students can choose from 10 open electives and six technical electives to combine computing with other fields like biology, linguistics, or music, or to specialize in areas such as AI, data science, or human-computer interaction.
• Approximately 25% of the Computer Science degree is open electives, making it possible to complete a minor in another field with proper planning.
• There are more than 50 options for minors, including sustainability and innovation.

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 them to life in practical applications.
• Customizable co-op: Flexible co-op program that allows you to design your own degree.

Co-op, Career, and Experiences

The Centre for Career Growth and Experience provides comprehensive support, offering the knowledge and opportunities needed to build career confidence. 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.

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.
• 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 is a 28,000-sq ft space home to the McMaster Engineering Society and many of our affiliated clubs and teams, where you can 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 depend on diverse perspectives and ideas. We're proud of our global connections, with an international student community representing more than 100 countries and research partnerships with universities worldwide.

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 their first year, access more than 50 Engineering Research Experience Scholarships issued with major entrance scholarships, and 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.

Entrance Scholarships

• 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, including 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.

Program Statistics

• 25% of the curriculum is devoted to open elective courses.
• There are more than 50 available minors, including innovation and sustainability.
• There are 5 practice and experience courses to apply your knowledge.

Typical First-Year Courses

• 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

Beyond First Year

• 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.