You can choose between a research-based master's program (MASc) or a course-based master's program (MEng). Or, maybe you are ready for the doctoral program (PhD)? Each department offers a range of programs to get you on track towards your future career.
Table of Contents
Research-based programs (Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD))
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.
Doctoral (PhD)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering- Nanotechnology
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering- Quantum Information
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering - Aeronautics
Exceptional MASc applicants may be considered for direct-entry to 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.
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
- Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering - Nanotechnology
- Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical And Computer Engineering - Aeronautics
Undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo have the option to enrol in the Accelerated Master’s program to accomplish some of the work required for a MASc degree.
Aeronautics Collaborative Program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Applied Science (MASc) Electrical and Computer Engineering - Aeronautics
Supported by all 6 faculties and the industry and government network of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics, the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) is an entirely new approach to Masters and Doctoral Studies in aeronautics.
Admission Requirements are the same as those for MASc and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Nanotechnology Collaborative Program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Applied Science (MASc) Electrical and Computer Engineering - Nanotechnology
The University of Waterloo offers the first MASc and PhD programs in Nanotechnology of its kind in Canada.
The interdisciplinary research program, jointly offered by three departments in the Faculty of Science and four in the Faculty of Engineering, provide students with a stimulating educational environment that spans from basic research through to application. The goal of the collaborative program is to allow students to gain perspectives on nanotechnology from a wide community of scholars within and outside their disciplines in both course and thesis work.
Admission Requirements are the same as those for MASc and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering. For further information, please visit the engineering collaborative program page and the nanotechnology program page.
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 Nanotechnology the students are exposed to rich, broad and integrated educational resources, a diverse network of expertise and world-class research opportunities that leverage their engineering degrees.
Admission Requirements are the same as those for MASc and PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
IQC Faculty that may supervise students pursuing graduate studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering may be found here.
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 (M.Eng.) Co-op program combines traditional, in-class education with hands-on experience. This allows for the 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 M.Eng. 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.
- As part of the M.Eng. degree, we offer our students the opportunity to specialize in specific areas and earn a specialization in addition to their M.Eng. degree. Courses taken towards a M.Eng. 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 will be a limited number of spots available each term. Therefore, if interested in both programs, we highly suggest that applicants apply to BOTH the regular M.Eng. program, as well as the M.Eng. Co-op program to increase their chances of success.
Note: M.Eng. students do not have a supervisor, nor do they receive financial assistance (unless on a paid co-op term). M.Eng. students are expected to be entirely self-funded. As well, new and current students in the regular M.Eng. program will not be able to transfer into the M.Eng. 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.
Admission Requirements
Find the ECE admission requirements on the Graduate Studies and postdoctoral affairs (GSPA) Academic Calendar and start to prepare the application documents to give enough time to upload them by the deadline date.
Only for the research-based PhD and MASc programs, the admission depends on the student finding a suitable supervisor. You don’t need a supervisor to apply, so we suggest that you apply, upload all materials and then start the process of trying to make contact with the faculty members in the Electrical and Computer Engineering research area(s) that you are interested in. Follow the steps and advice about how to find a supervisor.
For answers to specific questions, please feel free to contact us:
Research Based Programs
E-mail: ece.researchadmissions@uwaterloo.ca
Course Based Programs
E-mail: ece.mengadmissions@uwaterloo.ca
Fees, Scholarships and Awards
Budgeting is ones of the most important factors when it comes to planning your graduate studies. Find out about tuition and budget, and the ECE funding and scholarship opportunities.
Research-based students have minimum guaranteed funding. Course-based students are expected to be self-funded.
Visit the Funding, Scholarships and Awards page with full description and details.