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, Facebook, or hot new startups. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to create reliable, affordable, and faster software for all kinds of different purposes.

in Canada for engineering (US News & World Report 2020)

Gain two years of experience in the
co-op program

Students earn $13,300 on average per co-op term
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
Why Waterloo Engineering?
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.
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Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact an Engineering student ambassador to learn about their experience.
Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
First-year courses and beyond
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 - Introductions to 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
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
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
- 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
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 20+ student-led design teams! Design 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 Waterloo Computer Science student, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in competitions such as Hack the North. This hack-a-thon is the largest in Canada and hosted annually at Waterloo. Learn more about this competition on our Beyond Ideas website
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 opportunities, 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.
"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
Earn a Bachelor of Software Engineering degree
Ready to learn more?
Study in a high-tech hub
Waterloo Region is home to Google, KiK, Shopify, and more than 1,500 other technology companies, providing lots of co-op and career opportunities.