Electrical Engineering Degree

man working with wires

Power the future

Our modern world is built on electricity. Learn to harness its power to create the next generation of electronics, sensors, and information networks. Your career will be super-charged by a degree from Waterloo. We're ranked 18th in the world for electrical engineering (Academic Rankings of World Universities 2023).

You’ll study the fundamentals of electromagnetism, circuits, algorithms, and instrumentation. You will be able to specialize in a range of technologies such as power generation and clean energy, electric vehicles, Internet of Things, quantum computing, integrated circuit design, and machine learning.

You'll also gain hands-on experience starting right in first year, thanks to paid co-op work terms and some of the best student labs in North America.

When you graduate, you’ll have hundreds of career paths open to you, from designing power stations and aircraft control systems to pioneering the future of microprocessors and telecommunications systems.

What courses will you take in Electrical Engineering?

First-year courses

You’ll take a mix of foundational engineering, programming, and mathematics courses in first year. After first year, most of your classes will be Electrical Engineering courses covering topics such as communication systems, electronic circuits, electromagnetic fields and waves, machine learning and AI, and analog control systems.

September to December

  • ECE 105 – Classical Mechanics
  • ECE 150 – Fundamentals of Programming
  • ECE 190 – Engineering Profession and Practice
  • MATH 115 – Linear Algebra for Engineering
  • MATH 117 – Calculus 1 for Engineering
  • ECE 198 – Project Studio
  • ENGL 192/COMMST 192 – Communication in the Engineering Profession
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Milestone

January to April or May to August

  • ECE 102 – Information Session
  • ECE 106 – Electricity and Magnetism
  • ECE 108 – Discrete Mathematics and Logic 1
  • ECE 124 – Digital Circuits and Systems
  • ECE 140 – Linear Circuits
  • ECE 192 – Engineering Economics and Impact on Society 
  • MATH 119 – Calculus 2 for Engineering

This is a sample schedule. Courses are subject to change.

Note: Milestones and courses with deadlines for successful completion are shown in the terms where they are normally completed.

After first year

See the range of courses available in Electrical and Computer Engineering. You can also view all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

ECE 260 – Electromechanical Energy Conversion
ECE 307 – Probability Theory and Statistics 2
ECE 375 – Electromagnetic Fields and Waves
ECE 406 – Algorithm Design and Analysis 

Specialize in upper years to focus your studies.   

  • Communications & Signal Processing
  • Quantum Engineering

Or choose one of the options available to all engineering students.

Remote video URL

Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering

Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
No

Available as a minor?
No

Energize the world. Learn to design, create, and integrate more efficient and reliable technologies, like wind turbines, GPS devices, hybrid cars, communication systems, and other circuits and systems.

Smart power. With one of the largest power energy research groups in North America, Waterloo is home to leading experts in photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and smart grids.

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

  • PCB hardware designer
  • Electrical engineering sensor developer
  • Hardware design engineer
  • Artificial intelligence undergraduate researcher
  • Test systems engineering
  • Electrical engineer intern
  • Hardware designer
  • Junior designer - electrical

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 -
 

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Electrical Engineering?

Waterloo Electrical Engineering graduates often pursue careers in software development, manufacturing, telecommunications, aerospace, and more. They often work for engineering firms, technology companies, and manufacturing companies.

Recent graduates

  • Hardware Engineer — Intel
  • Electrical Designer — Mulvey Banani International
  • Business Technology Analyst — Deloitte
  • Programmer — Kubra Data Transfer
  • Software Engineer — Dropbox
  • Application Specialist — Ceridian
  • Engineering Product Management — IBM Canada

Possible professional designation

Learn about the future of careers in engineering.

Tuition fees for Engineering programs

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $18,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $19,000
International (visa students) $73,000
     
  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.

Student life in Engineering

Student design teams

Have fun and develop hands-on experience through one or more of our 35+ student-led design teams!

Design teams include rocketry, concrete canoe, small airplanes, robotics, solar car, submarine racing, autonomous vehicle, Engineers Without Borders, and more.

Engineering Society (EngSoc)

EngSoc is run by students and provides social and academic events and services to make your experience as a Waterloo Engineering student the best it can be.

Benefit from mentoring for first-year students or meet other students through an annual conference, semi-formal, career fair, charity events, community outreach, and much more!

Women in Engineering

Women in Engineering (WiE) supports women and non-binary engineering students and alumni, while encouraging the next generation to pursue a future career in engineering

Any student is also welcome to join Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM), a student-run club that promotes equality in STEM through skills workshops, discussions, and guest speakers.

Campus-wide activities

Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved – no matter how unique your interests.

Between our 200+ student-run clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, student government, and events, student life at Waterloo has something for everyone.

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)
  • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)

Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s

Previous experience in programming is recommended.

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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Ask a Faculty of Engineering student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!

 Learn more

Headshot of Kelsey Richardson

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 Electrical Engineering program website