Why choose? Develop software savvy and hardware know-how.
Want to design a brain stimulator to combat symptoms of Parkinson's disease? Develop software to protect companies from cyber attacks? Create the next groundbreaking gaming platform?
As an expert in computer hardware-software interactions you will be ready for a career working in cutting-edge technologies.
Between labs and lectures, you'll gain experience with all aspects of computers, from chips and wiring to software, networks, and communications. You will learn the basics of computing engineering in one of the top 75 programs in the world (Academic Rankings of World Universities 2023). And your co-op terms will give you two years of paid work experience.
You’ll graduate ready for a career as a software developer, hardware engineer, IT specialist, systems designer, and more, in a wide range of industries such as enterprise software, automotive, aerospace, automation and robotics, networks and databases, health care, and security.
With its renowned co-op program and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem, Waterloo Engineering is one of the world’s top engineering schools. You'll have access to emerging technologies, innovative professors, and world-class facilities.
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Follow your passion. With more technical electives than any other computer engineering program in Canada, you’ll be able to explore interests in everything from circuit boards to software security.
Study in a high-tech hub. Waterloo region is home to more than 1,500 technology companies, including Google and Shopify, providing lots of co-op and career opportunities.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- AI accelerator
- Hardware engineering
- Test automation developer
- Software developer
- Full stack web developer
- Data engineering student
- Data scientist
- iOS developer
- Infrastructure engineering intern
- QA developer, mobile
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in first year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Your first work term will be halfway through first year (January to April 2026).
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Second | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
or after first year (May to August 2026).
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
There are two options for co-op sequences. You can request your preference if you receive an offer of admission.
Admissions requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Previous experience in programming is recommended.
Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s
Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
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Learn more
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Kelsey Richardson, our Faculty of Engineering recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.
You can also visit our Computer Engineering program website