Because today, even your fridge is full of software.
Whether you want to create a VR training program for surgeons, the next "swipe right" dating app, or an autonomous car, 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 by one of the best universities on the planet for software engineering (Shanghai World University Rankings 2020).
Then, during your co-op, you’ll put those skills to work at leading companies like Snapchat or Facebook or hot new startups. When graduate, you’ll be ready to create reliable, affordable, and faster software for all kinds of different purposes.
Software 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)
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 mid-90s
Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied. You will be asked to explain your programming experience.
Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required.
Strong performance in a programming contest, such as the Canadian Computing Competition, is helpful. You're also strongly encouraged to write the Euclid Mathematics Contest.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
First-year courses
September to December
January to April
After first year
- See the range of courses available in Software Engineering.
- View all the courses required for your degree.
Sample upper-year courses
SE 212 – Logic and Computation
SE 464 – Software Design and Architectures
SE 350 – Operating Systems
SE 465 – Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Why Waterloo Engineering?
Discover why the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo is one of the world’s top engineering schools.
Gain two years of experience in the co-op program
Apply directly to this program on your application
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
- Tools and automation engineering intern
- Data scientist
- Mobile developer
- Software developer
- iOS developer
- Production engineering
- Algorithims engineering
Sample co-op employers
- Mozilla Corporation
- Bloomberg
- Waterloo Regional Police Service
- Element AI
- ContextLogic
in Canada for engineering (US News & World Report 2019)
Offered through the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Mathematics
Students earn $13,300 on average per co-op term
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
For more information on potential careers, check out our page on careers in engineering.
Study in a high-tech hub
Waterloo Region is home to Google, Blackberry, and more than 1,000 other technology companies, 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.
Ready to learn more?
- Visit the Software Engineering website
- Subscribe to our newsletter to get tips and advice from current students
