Electrical Engineering Degree
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
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.
Specialize in upper years to focus your studies.
- Communications & Signal Processing
- Quantum Engineering
Or choose one of the options available to all engineering students.
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 | - |
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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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 Electrical Engineering program website