Programs

You can choose between a research-based master's program (MASc) or a course-based master's program (MEng). Or, maybe you're ready for a research-based doctoral program (PhD).

Table of Contents

• Research-based PhD and Master of Applied Science​

• Research-based collaborative Program in Aeronautics

• Research-based collaborative Program in Nanotechnology​

• Research-based collaborative Program in Quantum Information

• Course-based Master of Engineering

• Course-based Master of Engineering Co-op

• Course-based Master of Engineering in Electric Power Engineering

• Admission Requirements​

• Fees, Scholarships and Awards

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

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

Our research-based programs have guaranteed minimum funding provided. Students are also eligible for teaching assistantship and research assistantship positions - this funding is on top of the guaranteed minimum funding provided.

A supervisor is not required at the application stage, however, a supervisor is needed to secure an offer of admission. Visit our research and supervisors page with the details about how to contact them.

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

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

^{Visit the Future Students page to find full description of programs and admission information.}

Course-based masters programs (Master of Engineering and Master of Engineering Coop (MEng))

Master of Engineering (MEng) ​

A Master of Engineering (MEng) program is ideal for recent graduates or professionals seeking advanced training to enhance and/or strengthen careers in the field of engineering.

• Students must complete 8 courses.
• Full-time and part-time study are available.
• Length of program is 1 to 2 years, depending on full-time or part-time status.
• Note: Average program completion time for an MEng student is 16 months (4 terms).
• In addition to the MEng program, students have the opportunity to to earn a specialization in specific areas. Courses taken towards a specialization will also be counted towards the MEng degree requirements.

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

The Master of Engineering (MEng) Co-op program combines traditional, in-class education with hands-on experience. This allows for development of key employability and interview skills, exploration of career options and an opportunity to not only make money, but graduate with tangible, workplace experience—giving students 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 how many co-op (work) terms are completed.
• Students must complete a minimum of 1 co-op term but may complete 2 co-op terms provided they are consecutive terms, and the placement is with the same employer. The program must start and end on an academic term.
• Students who do not find a co-op placement will be switched 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 completed your co-op term in the Spring, your WTR must be submitted by the end of the first week of the Fall term.
• We offer our students the opportunity to specialize in specific areas and earn a specialization in addition to their MEng degree. Courses taken towards a MEng specialization will also be counted towards your degree requirements.
• Students in the co-op program are encouraged to complete COOP 601 Career Success Strategies, in the academic term prior to the first work term.

This is a highly competitive program and there are a limited number of spots available each term. If you are interested in both programs, we highly suggest that you apply to BOTH the regular MEng program, as well as the MEng Co-op program to increase your chance of success.

Note: MEng students do not have a supervisor, nor do they receive financial assistance (unless on a paid co-op term). MEng students are expected to be entirely self-funded. As well, new and current students in the regular MEng program will not be able to transfer into the MEng Co-op program.

Master of Engineering in Electric Power Engineering

The Master of Engineering in Electric Power Engineering (MEng) is an online degree program that provides state-of-the-art training, skill development, and education for power engineering personnel.

This program is an initiative from Waterloo's Power and Energy Systems Group, and receives support from Hydro One Networks Inc.

• 9 courses.
• Online only.
• Part-time study.
• Normally, the program takes 3 years, or 9 terms to complete. However, students are allowed up to 5 years, or 15 terms to complete.

We also offer a Graduate Diploma in Electric Power (G.Dip.), and a Certificate of Completion in Electric Power Engineering (non-degree).

Note:  MEng students do not receive financial assistance; MEng students are self-funded.