Programs and courses

The School of Computer Science offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Mathematics (MMath) or PhD degree.

Master of Mathematics
- Coursework option in Computer Science
- Thesis option
Additional master's programs
- New! Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI)
- New! Master of Mathematics (MMath) in Data Science
PhD and direct entry into PhD
Co-op option
Courses

Master of Math (MMath) programs

You can choose to study in our MMath thesis program or our MMath Computer Science coursework program option.

	Coursework	Thesis
Courses	eight	four, plus a thesis
Duration	12- 16 months	one to two years
Duties	Take advanced computer science courses in areas like machine learning and cloud computing	Work with a supervisor and conduct research Write a thesis
Benefits	Advance into senior industry roles quicker Command a larger salary	Submit papers to research conferences Present your ideas Network with top professors and researchers
Outcomes	Graduate with a Master of Math, specialization in Computer Science Pursue industry work with advanced knowledge in computer science	Graduate with a Master of Math, specialization in Computer Science Work in a research industry Pursue your PhD

Accelerated master's - University of Waterloo students only

Start your graduate studies early by enrolling in graduate studies while still enrolled in your undergraduate program
Only for Waterloo students enrolled in a BCS or BMath/CS degree.
Take graduate courses as early as fourth year.
Apply to our program (PDF) in your third year of study.

Additional master's programs

You can also enroll in one of our cross-disciplinary degrees to expand your studies in computer science and beyond.

PhD programs

Work alongside a professor as you explore independent research in one of our 16 areas of study. You can enroll in one of two programs:

Degree requirements

Duration: four years

Courses: four + a thesis + defense

Duties: work with a faculty supervisor to conduct research

Studies: full-time

Part-time study for PhD is available to Waterloo staff only.

Direct entry into PhD programs

You can apply for consideration directly into our PhD programs from your undergraduate studies. Depending on your application, academic background and research experience you may be admissible or considered for an offer to one of our master's programs.

Co-op option

Combine a co-op option with your master's* and earn eight months or two terms of experience before you graduate.

As part of the co-op process, you will:

Work with your supervisor to arrange a co-op position.
Find a co-op job that relates to your area of research.
Approve your job with the director of graduate studies.
Use resources at the Centre for Career Action to update your resume and practice your interview skills.

*Co-op is not available to master's coursework students in the data science specialization.