Computer Engineering

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? Learn at one of the top 50 universities in the world for Computer Engineering? (Shanghai World University Rankings 2020)

Between labs and lectures, you'll gain experience with all aspects of computers, from chips and wiring to software, networks, and communications. Meanwhile, your co-op terms will give you 2 years of paid work experience.

You’ll graduate ready for a career as a software developer, hardware engineer, IT specialist, systems designer, and more.

Study in a high-tech hub

Waterloo Region is home to more than 1,000 technology companies, including Google and Blackberry, providing lots of co-op and career opportunities.

Calling all hackers

Bring your ideas to life at Hack the North — Canada’s biggest hackathon — which attracts more than 1,000 students from around the world each year.

Why Waterloo Engineering?

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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.

in Canada for engineering (US News & World Report 2019)

breifcase Gain two years of experience in the co-op program

Money flower Students earn $13,300 on average per co-op term

Computer Engineering 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 low to mid-90s

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

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First-year Computer Engineering courses

September to December

GENE 191 - Communication in the Engineering Profession
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
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

* Milestones and courses with deadlines for successful completion are shown in the terms where they are normally completed. Work-term report courses (WKRPT 201, WKRPT 301, WKRPT 401) are considered milestones with deadlines for successful completion

After first year

See the range of courses available in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
View all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

ECE 254 – Operating Systems and Systems Programming
ECE 320 – Computer Architecture
ECE 405 – Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
ECE 452 – Software Design and Architectures

Gears Offered by the Faculty of Engineering

click Apply directly to this program on your application

grad cap Earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Sample co-op job titles

Test automation developer
Software developer
Full stack web developer
Data engineering student
Data scientist
iOS developer
Infrastructure engineering intern
QA developer, mobile

Sample co-op employers

Apple
Microsoft Corporation
Salesforce.com
Mitre Media
Connected Lab
Public Service Commission of Canada
Aviva Canada
Ford Motor Company of Canada

What can you do with a degree in Computer Engineering?

Waterloo Computer Engineering graduates commonly pursue careers in software and hardware development and engineering. They often work in software, technology, and automotive companies.