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.
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.
Study in a high-tech hub
Waterloo Region is home to Google, Kik, 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.
Through co-op, Software Engineering students work at leading software design firms even before they graduate.
About Software Engineering
Gain 2 years of experience in the co-op program
Apply directly to this program on your application
Earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree
Engineering school in Canada (US News & World Report 2018)
Offered through the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Mathematics
Students earn $17,800 on average per co-op term
Admission requirements
- Ontario students: 6 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)
- Recommended courses: Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science, Grade 12 U Computer Science
- Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid-90s
- Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements database
- Other requirements/recommendations:
- Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required. Applicants will be asked to explain programming experience on the Admission Information Form that is required for admission
- 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
First-year courses
September to December
CS 137 - Programming Principles
ECE 105 - Classical Mechanics
MATH 115 - Linear Algebra for Engineering
MATH 117 - Calculus 1 for Engineering
MATH 135 - Algebra for Honours Mathematics
SE 101 - Methods of Software Engineering
January to April
CS 138 - Introduction to Data Abstraction and Implementation
ECE 106 - Electricity and Magnetism
ECE 124 - Digital Circuits and Systems
ECE 140 - Linear Circuits
MATH 119 - Calculus 2 for Engineering
SE 102 - Seminar
After first year
- See the range of courses available in Software Engineering.
- View all the courses required for your degree.
Sample upper-year courses
Co-op
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 positions
- Tools and Automation Engineering Intern, Mozilla Corporation
- Software Developer, Tagged Inc
- Computer and Technical Support, Ontario Ministry of Education
- Fund Analyst, East Coast Fund Management
- Technical Product Manager - Software Design & Development, NexJ Systems Inc
- Software Developer - Member Services Information Technology, Ontario Teacher's Pension Plan Board
- Software Systems Development, Technical Solutions Company
Careers in Software Engineering
Recent graduates
- Software Developer, IBM Canada
- Consultant, PureFacts Financial Solutions
- Software Manager, Arius Software Corporation
- Head of Technology and Engineering, Sydus
- Software Engineer, VistaPrint USA
- Implementation Consultant, Desire2Learn
- Software Engineer, Harris Corporation
- Software Developer, Accenture
Possible professional designation
Helpful links
- Visit the Software Engineering website
