Software Engineering

Because today, even your fridge is full of software

Software Engineering students at the University of Waterloo.

Whether you want to create a VR training program for surgeons, the next innovative OS, or tomorrow’s fleet of autonomous vehicles, software engineers have endless career options in today’s tech-enabled world.

At Waterloo, you won’t just write code. You’ll also analyze software architecture, apply algorithms, understand digital hardware systems, and design human/ computer interfaces. Plus, you’ll learn how to work in teams and manage projects, all while being taught within one of the best universities in the world for software engineering (Shanghai World University Rankings 2021).

Then, during your co-op, you’ll put those skills to work at leading companies or hot new startups. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to create reliable, affordable, and faster software for all kinds of different purposes.

Program highlights

Dream big. Use computer programming and engineering problem-solving to create usable, reliable, and efficient software. Apply your skills during co-op terms at some of the biggest tech companies in Canada and Silicon Valley, or create your own tech start-up.
Study in a high-tech hub. The Waterloo region is home to Google, Shopify, and more than 1,500 other technology companies, providing lots of co-op and career opportunities.

Offered as a co-op program only
Graduate with a Bachelor of Software Engineering
Offered by the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Mathematics

Why Waterloo Engineering?

Watch video on YouTube

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.

What will you learn?

During your first year, you'll take a mix of foundational courses in computer engineering, computer science, and math. In upper years, you'll mostly take software engineering courses.

Learn more about the courses you'll take for your Software Engineering degree.

Get tips from Waterloo students

Join our monthly newsletter for tips such as choosing a university program, life at Waterloo, and finances.

Questions? Ask a student!

Ask a Faculty of Engineering student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!

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

Tools and automation engineering intern
Data scientist
Mobile developer
Software developer
iOS developer
Production engineering
Algorithms engineering

Sample co-op employers

Mozilla Corporation
Bloomberg
LinkedIn
Waterloo Regional Police Service
Element AI
ContextLogic

What can you do with a Software Engineering degree?

Graduates often pursue careers in software engineering and development, consulting, and more. They commonly work for financial institutions, technology companies, and software corporations.

Recent graduates

Software Engineer – Microsoft
Software Development Engineer – Amazon
Software Developer – Electronic Arts (Canada)
Software Engineer – Google
Innovation Specialist – Telus
Web Development Engineer – Amazon
Senior Software Engineer – Uber Technologies

Possible professional designation

Professional Engineer

Learn about the future of careers in engineering.

Student life, including Women in Engineering

Student design teams

Have fun and develop hands-on experience through one or more of our 25+ student-led design teams! Teams include rocketry, concrete canoe, robotics, solar car, submarine racing, autonomous vehicle, Space X Hyperloop, Formula Motorsports, Engineers Without Borders, and more.

You’ll meet people with similar interests and goals, benefit from networking with experts in the engineering profession, and develop some great skills for your résumé.

Engineering Society (EngSoc)

EngSoc is run by students for students and provides many 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 get involved and meet other students through an annual conference, semiformal, career fair, charity events, community outreach, and much more!

Hack the North

As a Waterloo Software Engineering student, you’ll have the opportunity to apply to participate in competitions such as Hack the North. This hack-a-thon is the largest in Canada and hosted annually at Waterloo.

Campus-wide activities

Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved – no matter how unique your interests. Between our 250+ student-run clubs, sports and recreation, student government, and events, student life at Waterloo has something for everyone.

Women in Engineering

Women in Engineering (WiE) supports female students and engineers while encouraging the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering. Regardless of gender, orientation, or background, you’re welcome to join this inclusive community to participate in outreach events as well as mentorship and volunteer opportunities.

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM) is a student-run club that welcomes all students (regardless of gender) to promote equality in STEM. Opportunities include skills workshops, discussions, homework help, and guest speakers.

"The biggest benefit of co-op is living in different environments and experiencing new things. I enjoy the change of pace and it serves as a nice break from school, while also teaching me about topics that cannot be taught but experienced."Danny, second-year Software Engineering student

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)

Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required.

Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science and Grade 12 U Computer Science are recommended as helpful background for the program.

Admission averages: Individual selection from the low to mid-90s

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied. You will be asked to explain your programming experience.

Participation in a programming contest, such as the Canadian Computing Competition, is helpful to include on your AIF.

You’re also encouraged to write the Euclid Mathematics Contest as good background; however, this will not affect your application to Software Engineering.