Use systems thinking and turn your degree into more than the sum of its parts
Cutting-edge biomedical innovations like remote patient monitoring and surgical robots. Ergonomic equipment and machines for comfortable office spaces. Smart cities and intelligent, automated warehouses. Self-driving cars, drones, and efficient transportation systems.
What do they all have in common? They’re all systems. And with careful thought given to design, every individual piece within them works together to create a successful, cohesive whole.
As a Systems Design Engineering student, you’ll build your design knowledge and improve how the world functions! Take a systems approach when using your engineering, math, and science skillsto find connections that advance technology and innovation.
Examine the people, materials, tools, software, and other factors involved in engineering problems, then come up with a solution that innovates and inspires. You’ll also learn to assess how one change will affect another element by using a variety of modelling, analysis, and design methods.
While studying the fundamentals of electrical, mechanical, software engineering, as well as design methods and systems modelling, you’ll also choose from 300 different electives to become both well-rounded and focused on what interests you most.
Our project-based approach gives you opportunities to apply your learning to real problems in a wide range of industries. With two full years of paid co-op experience by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to design comprehensive, ground-breaking solutions for the toughest engineering problems.
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Unlimited innovation opportunities. Use a "big picture" approach to solve problems. Our grads go on to engineering consulting, project management, graduate school, start-ups, and more.
Multi-directional engineering. Learn fundamentals in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering with an overarching focus on engineering design and systems-driven thinking.
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
- Product design/development
- Rapid prototype software developer
- Product manager
- User experience designer
- Application developer
- Control systems software designer
- Machine learning developer
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.
| 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 | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through first year (January to April 2026).
Admission 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)
Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
Related programs
Biomedical Engineering
Management Engineering
Software Engineering
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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 Systems Design Engineering program website.