Does McMaster University accept Computer Science HL?

💡Expert's Take

“DO NOT EXPECT TRANSFER CREDIT FOR IB COMPUTER SCIENCE HL (ENG / iBioMed / CS)

Official Policy: McMaster Engineering states that no math or science courses are eligible for transfer credit for Engineering, iBioMed, and Computer Science students.

IB Context: IB classifies Computer Science as a Group 4 science subject, so it likely falls under this restriction.

What This Means: ❌ No exemption from required first-year CS courses (COMPSCI 1MD3, 1JC3, 1XC3, 1XD3, 1DM3). ❌ Do not plan on IB CS HL reducing your required course load. ❌ Do not assume early graduation or cost savings. ⚠️ If any elective credit is granted, treat it as exceptional and verify after admission via Mosaic.

Your Real Advantage: IB CS HL doesn't give you shortcuts—it gives you academic preparation. You'll enter first-year CS courses with deeper programming knowledge, which translates to: Higher grades in mandatory courses. Better co-op placements (which actually save money & build experience). Stronger foundation for upper-year CS specializations.

Bottom Line: Don't bank on transfer credit—bank on academic dominance. Use your IB background to earn a strong GPA in mandatory courses, which is worth far more than credit exemptions in the long run.”