Programs

Table of Contents

Research-based programs: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Applied Science (MASc)

For full-time students, the PhD program is typically 4 years, and the MASc program is 2 years. Depending on the program, a student will complete between 4 and 7 courses, conduct original research, and write a thesis.

Our research-based programs offer guaranteed minimum funding. Additionally, students are eligible for teaching assistantship and research assistantship positions, with funding on top of the guaranteed minimum.

While a supervisor is not required at the application stage, a supervisor is necessary to secure an offer of admission. For more details on how to contact potential supervisors, visit our research and supervisors page.

For part-time students, the PhD program extends to 8 years, and the MASc program is 4 years. Part-time students will complete between 4 and 7 courses, conduct original research, and write a thesis. However, part-time students are not eligible for minimum funding.

Students also have the option to apply to Collaborative programs in Nanotechnology, Aeronautics and Quantum Information.

For a full description of programs and admission details, visit the Future Students page.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Exceptional MASc applicants may be considered for direct entry into the PhD program from a bachelor’s program. Applicants interested in being considered for a direct-entry PhD should include a statement to that effect in their Supplementary Information Form (SIF) when applying to the MASc program.

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo have the option to enroll in the Accelerated Master’s program, allowing them to complete some of the requirements for the MASc degree.

Aeronautics Collaborative Program

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Applied Science (MASc) Electrical and Computer Engineering -  Aeronautics

Supported by all six Faculties, as well as the industry and government networks of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics, the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) offers an innovative approach to Master’s and Doctoral studies in aeronautics.

The admission requirements are the same as those for the MASc and PhD programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

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Nanotechnology Collaborative Program

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Applied Science (MASc) Electrical and Computer Engineering - Nanotechnology​

The University of Waterloo offers Canada’s first-of-their-kind MASc and PhD programs in Nanotechnology.​

This interdisciplinary research program, jointly offered by three departments in the Faculty of Science and four in the Faculty of Engineering, provides students with a dynamic educational environment that spans basic research to application. The goal of this collaborative program is to allow students to gain perspectives in nanotechnology from a diverse community of scholars, both within and outside their disciplines, through their coursework and thesis work.

The admission requirements are the same as those for the MASc and PhD programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering. For more information, please visit the engineering collaborative program page and the nanotechnology program page.

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Quantum Information Collaborative Program

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Applied Science (MASc) Electrical and Computer Engineering -  Quantum Information

Through the Collaborative Graduate Program in Quantum Information, students gain access to extensive educational resources, a diverse network of expertise, and world-class research opportunities that complement their engineering degrees.

The admission requirements are the same as those for the MASc and PhD programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Faculty members affiliated with the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) who can supervise graduate students in Electrical and Computer Engineering can be found here.

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Course-based programs: Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Engineering Coop (MEng), and Master of Engineering in Electric Power Engineering (MEng)

Master of Engineering (MEng) ​

The Master of Engineering (MEng) program is ideal for recent graduates or professionals seeking advanced training to enhance or strengthen their careers in engineering.

  • Students must complete 8 courses.
  • Both full-time and part-time study options are available.
  • The program length is 1 to 2 years, depending on full-time or part-time status.
  • The average program completion time for an MEng student is 16 months (4 terms).
  • Students enrolled in the MEng program can enhance their degree by earning a specialization in a specific area of interest. Courses completed as part of a specialization also fulfill MEng degree requirements. However, the number of courses required for each specialization varies. For detailed information, please visit the specialization webpage.

Note:

  • MEng students in ECE may take a maximum of 10 courses (0.5 units each) during their degree program, including failed courses and any additional courses taken, such as audit or extra to degree. However, once the required 8 courses for the degree have been completed, students are not eligible to take any additional courses (audit or extra) and must complete the degree.

Note: MEng students do not have a supervisor and do not receive financial assistance. MEng students are expected to be entirely self-funded.

Students seeking to transfer from another program or department into the regular Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) MEng program must submit a program plan change form to ECE's graduate studies office. Transfer applications for a particular term are accepted only until the end of the first week of classes. Please note: Transfers are not guaranteed and are subject to the approval of the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies."

Master of Engineering Co-op (MEng)

The Master of Engineering (MEng) Co-op program combines traditional in-class education with hands-on experience. This allows students to develop key employability and interview skills, explore career options, and gain valuable workplace experience. In addition to earning money, students will graduate with practical experience, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

  • Students must complete 8 courses.
  • Full-time registration is required.
  • The program length is 16-20 months, depending on the number of co-op (work) terms completed.
  • Students must complete a minimum of 1 co-op term, but may complete up to 2 consecutive co-op terms with the same employer. The program must start and end in an academic term.
  • Students who do not secure a co-op work term will be transferred to the regular MEng program.
  • A milestone Work Term Report (WTR) must be submitted to the Department for credit by the end of the first week of the term following your co-op term. For example, if you complete your co-op in the Spring, the WTR is due by the end of the first week of the Fall term.
  • We offer the opportunity for students to specialize in specific areas and earn a specialization in addition to their MEng degree. Courses taken towards an MEng specialization will also count towards degree requirements.
  • Students in the co-op program are encouraged to complete WIL 601: Career Foundations for Work-Integrated Learning in the academic term before their first work term.
  • MEng Co-op students in ECE may take a maximum of 10 courses (0.5 units each) during their degree program, including failed courses and any additional courses taken, such as audit or extra to degree. However, once the required 8 courses for the degree have been completed, students are not eligible to take any additional courses (audit or extra) and must complete the degree.

This is a highly competitive program with a limited number of spots each term. If you are interested in both options, we recommend applying to both the regular MEng program and the MEng Co-op program to increase your chances of success.

Note: MEng students do not have a supervisor and do not receive financial assistance, unless on a paid co-op term. MEng students are expected to be entirely self-funded. Additionally, new and current students in the regular MEng program are not eligible to transfer into the MEng Co-op program.

Master of Engineering in Electric Power Engineering (MEng)

The Master of Engineering in Electric Power Engineering (MEng) is an online degree program that provides advanced training, skill development, and education for power engineering professionals.

This program is offered by Waterloo's Power and Energy Systems Group with support from Hydro One Networks Inc.

Note: MEng students do not receive financial assistance and are expected to be self-funded.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements for ECE's programs can be found in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar.   

Note: Admission to research-based PhD and MASc programs is contingent upon finding a suitable supervisor. While a supervisor is not required to apply, we recommend submitting your application and all materials first. Afterward, you can begin the process of finding a supervisor by reaching out to faculty members in Electrical and Computer Engineering who specialize in your research field(s) of interest. Please refer to the steps and advice on how to find a supervisor for further assistance.​​

For specific questions, please contact us::​

Research-based Programs​
E-mail: ece.researchadmissions@uwaterloo.ca  

Course-based Programs
E-mail: ece.mengadmissions@uwaterloo.ca

Application requirements

  1. Start the application process early.
  2. A complete application with a full set of required documents must be submitted online for each program to which you apply.  Determine what documents and materials are required for a complete application, along with specific instructions detailing formatting requirements, word limits, document naming conventions, and file formats. Visit Application Documents and Materials for detailed information.
  3. To apply, all required documents must be uploaded online through the University of Waterloo’s online application for graduate studies application portal.