Computer Science transfers and Joint CS majors

Transferring to Computer Science (CS) or adding a joint CS program is a competitive process for most students. There is a limited number of transfers allowed each term, and the competition varies from term to term.

We highly recommend that you watch the video below as it goes into a lot more detail about why the transferring process is competitive, what we look for on your transfer application, and many other considerations.

This page provides general information on the eligibility criteria, deadlines and the transfer process, as well as how the process will differ depending on your current program.

Transfer information for

• Math students
  • CFM students
  • BBA/BCS students
  • SE students
• Non-Math students
• CS students (e.g. transferring out of CS)

This page also contains information about the CS Joint program, which follows a similar process to the process as transferring into CS.

• Adding a Joint CS major
• Alternatives to CS

The transfer process is competitive and our ability to accept transfers depends on the size of our student body at the time.

Students should not apply if they do not meet the eligibility requirements stated above.

Since Computer Science is a unit under the Faculty of Mathematics, there will be no changes to your co-op status upon transferring to CS. Transferring to co-op is a separate process that is not conducted by CS.

CFM students should first consult with the CFM Program Manager before considering a transfer to CS. After this, you may see a CS Advisor to discuss details of your transfer as each student's situation may be different. CFM students are in the Math Co-op program, so co-op would not be affected. 

To transfer from CFM to CS you must currently meet the following:

• have spent two full-time study terms in your current program (e.g. be 2A or higher);
• be in Good or Excellent Standing,
• not have more than 4 failed courses; and,
• We'll also look at what would have happened if you had been in CS.
  • If you would have been forced out at any time (for example, due to low averages), you are not admissible.

CFM students who started their program before Fall 2022 may complete a Plan modification form to transfer to CS.

CFM students who started after Fall 2022, must meet the above conditions and the application process is competitive. If you are eligible, you may complete the Transfer from CFM to CS form online.

The process for transferring to CS as a BBA/BCS Double Degree student will depend on whether your home institution is Waterloo or Laurier.

Please refer to the BBA/BCS transfers page for more information.

Like for Math students, the eligibility, factors for consideration, deadlines on students transferring to CS are the same.

This implies that students must be admitted to the Math Faculty before they can be considered for a transfer to CS, hence non-Math students must meet the Math minimum admission requirements as well as the Declaration requirement for a CS major. 

If you are eligible to transfer to CS and Math, you may complete the following two (2) online application forms to transfer successfully:

1. Transfer from outside of Math to Math
2. Transfer from outside of Math to CS

If you are successfully with a transfer to CS you will be given a conditional offer until your acceptance into the Faculty of Math is confirmed. We recommend that you apply to Math as soon as possible since the transfer process into Math may take longer to process.

Students may contact a CS advisor to verify whether they have equivalent courses for CS135 and CS136 +  CS136L. Advisors can provide insight as to how these courses might be considered during the transfer process. Non-Math students may also want to consider taking CS136L during a non-degree term prior to a transfer. 

Note: Your co-op is not guaranteed to transfer with you when you move between Faculties. Please contact a Math Internal Transfer Advisor to discuss co-op. You may refer to the Math Internal Transfer page for more information

Adding a Joint CS major

A joint program in the Faculty of Math refers to a plan that requires more courses than a minor, but fewer courses than a major. Any joint major must be paired with another joint program or major.

The CS Joint program requires 12 CS courses as compared to the BCS/BMath CS that requires 15 CS courses. Please see the Joint CS program calendar descriptions linked below.

If you wish to add a BCS or BMath CS Joint program to your degree, then you will need to participate in the same competitive process as those applying to transfer into the BCS or BMath CS majors themselves.

You must meet requirements outlined below based on your current program. If all requirements are met, you may complete the form as noted in the table.

Note that the CS Joint Declaration Requirements are identical for BCS and BMath CS Joint programs as well as those of BCS/BMath CS Major listed above.

Please see a CS advisor or a Math Internal Transfer advisor for more information.