Programs

University of Waterloo campus during the fall

The David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science and the Faculty of Mathematics offer a number of programs and options to graduate students, including co-operative education.

As a graduate student, you will have the independence to pursue your preferred area of research with a faculty supervisor. Explore faculty members in Computer Science who can supervise graduate students.

Doctoral (PhD)

As a PhD student, you will be expected to conduct meaningful research that expands the scope of your graduate work. Applicants entering the PhD program with a Master's degree can expect to complete the program in four years. 

Exceptional applicants may be considered for direct-entry to the PhD program from a Bachelor's program. Applicants entering the PhD program with a Bachelor's degree only can expect to complete the program in six years.

Master of Mathematics (MMath)

As an MMath student, you will have the independence to pursue your preferred area of research, graduating with skills to pursue work with advanced knowledge in computer science. Applicants can expect to complete their studies within two years. Students may choose to switch into the co-op option after starting their program.

Explore graduate co-op at the University of Waterloo.

Specialized Degrees in Quantum Information

Students have the flexibility to specialize in quantum information, a cross-disciplinary degree offered by the Institute of Quantum Computing and a number of departments within the Faculties of Mathematics, Engineering, and Science. Apply theories from various areas of study to understand and use properties from the quantum world. 

Explore faculty members affiliated with the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) who can supervise graduate students in Computer Science

Doctoral (PhD), Quantum Information Specialization

Program timelines are the same as the Computer Science PhD  program above. Students may also apply to this program via a direct-entry pathway.

Master of Mathematics (MMath), Quantum Information Specialization

Program timelines are the same as the Computer Science MMath program above. The co-op option is also available for this program. 

Accelerated Master of Mathematics

This option is available to UW students in BCS or BMath/CS degrees only.

Current University of Waterloo students can start their graduate studies early by enrolling in graduate-level courses during their undergraduate program. Begin taking graduate courses as early as fourth year that can go towards the completion of your Master's degree. Apply during your third year of study.

Explore the application process for the Accelerated Master of Mathematics.