Systems Design Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Engineering 7

Engineering 7 (E7) Building on Waterloo's East Campus.

Conduct research to generate new knowledge and advance your career with the PhD in Systems Design Engineering program.  

You’ll take an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to exploring solutions to engineering problems at the cutting edge of technology and design, preparing you to pursue or advance your career in fundamental or applied research in academic, government or corporate environments. 

Research areas and degree options

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Human Factors and Ergonomics
  • Machine Learning and Intelligence
  • Mechatronic and Physical Systems
  • Modelling, Simulation and Systems Theory
  • Optimization and Decision Making
  • Societal and Environmental Systems
  • Vision, Image and Signal Processing

Program overview

Department/School: Systems Design Engineering
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Collaborative, Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • February 1 (for admission in September)
  • June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
  • October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Key contacts

Request more information about an Engineering program

Ella Sanoubari

Grad studies sets you up to become more comfortable with failures, while building that resilience to pick yourself up again and take in the feedback given.

Ellie Sanoubari, Systems Design Engineering, PhD

Supervisors

Admission requirements

  • Excellent background preparation and academic achievement in prior degrees, usually a relevant (i.e. thesis-based) Master's degree with an 80% average from a recognized university.
  • Demonstrated ability to formulate research problems and to execute the research required to solve problems (such as a Master of Applied Science (MASc) research thesis or published scientific/technical papers).
  • At the time of admission, each student must have an approved PhD supervisor or two co-supervisors (at least one of whom is an approved PhD supervisor) who have agreed in writing to supervise the academic program of a candidate. The Faculty of Engineering maintains a list of individually approved research supervisors ("LIARS", which is equivalent to the current University of Waterloo designation of "ADDS": Approved Doctoral Dissertation Supervisors). Additions and deletions to this list are made by the Engineering Graduate Studies Subcommittee upon the recommendation of the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the appropriate department.
  • Note: in the Faculty of Engineering, a minimum 80% standing in an applicant's appropriate Master's program is the usual requirement. A MASc obtained without a full research thesis is normally an inadequate qualification for admission to the PhD program. Admission to the PhD program is based upon the student's academic record and evidence of ability to pursue independent work. No candidate will be admitted to the program before a faculty advisor is appointed as the student's supervisor.
  • Transfer to the PhD program without completion of the MASc program: a student enrolled in a MASc program at the University of Waterloo may apply for transfer to the PhD program without completing a Master's degree. Transfer from a MASc program to a PhD program will normally be considered if an applicant:
    • Has an excellent undergraduate record.
    • Has obtained a grade average of at least 80% in courses that have been taken for graduate credit.
    • Has developed a clearly defined research program that seems likely to satisfy the research proposal component of the PhD comprehensive examination and has demonstrated an aptitude for research.
    • Presents objective evidence of adequate English language skills which should enable the candidate to write a thesis and to communicate orally.
    • Is not beyond the fourth academic term of a MASc program.

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enroll and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)
  • References
    • Three references, two from academic sources that are able to comment upon academic preparation and research ability
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 80 (writing 22, speaking 20, reading 20, listening 18) IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0, speaking 6.0)

Tution and fees