Computer Engineering

Two students building a project in an engineering workshop.

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 will learn the basics of computing engineering in one of the top 75 programs in the world (Academic Rankings of World Universities 2023). 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.

What courses will you take in Computer 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 Computer Engineering courses covering topics such as communication systems, digital hardware, real-time operating systems, 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
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Milestone
  • ENGL 192/COMMST 192 – Communication in the Engineering Profession

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.

Sample upper-year courses

ECE 252 – Systems Programming and Concurrency
ECE 222 – Digital Computers
ECE 380 – Analog Control Systems
ECE 458 – Computer Security

Customize 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.

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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.

Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering

Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
No

Available as a minor?
No

Follow your passion. With more technical electives than any other computer engineering program in Canada, you’ll be able to explore interests in everything from circuit boards to software security.

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

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 -

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.

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Computer Engineering?

Graduates commonly pursue careers in software and hardware development and engineering. They often work in software, technology, and automotive companies.

Recent graduates

  • Engineer — Slack Technologies
  • Software Engineer — Microsoft
  • Firmware Engineer — Tesla Motors
  • Network Administrator — OpenText
  • Engineer, Software — Zynga
  • Innovation Technical Lead — Sun Life Financial
  • Chief Technology Officer — Rave Media

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)
  • 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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 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 Computer Engineering program website