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'll learn the basics of computing engineering in one of the top programs in the world (ranked #43 in the Academic Rankings of World Universities 2024). 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?
Co-op only
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Follow your passion. With electives in AI, computer vision, robotics, machine learning, and more, you can tailor your studies to your interests.
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
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.
Drones, Data & Discoveries: From Toronto to California, Computer Engineering student Komal has worked on cutting-edge robotics at five companies—learning to code drones, explore new cities, and chase big dreams along the way. Read her story here.
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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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact the Faculty of Engineering which can answer any questions you have.