Systems Design Engineering

Engineer the interactions between anything and everything

A Systems Design Engineering student at the University of Waterloo.

Everything on our planet interacts – transportation networks, energy transfer, and biological systems – but how do they work together?

Systems Design Engineering looks at the big picture to find the connections that advance technology and innovation. You’ll learn the fundamentals in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering to prepare for a career with the flexibility to solve the world's biggest problems.

You’ll examine the people, materials, tools, software, and other factors involved in any engineering problem. You’ll learn to look at the system as a whole and assess how one change will affect another element, using a variety of modelling, analysis, and design methods.

Our project-based approach gives you lots of opportunity to apply your learning to real problems in a wide range of industries. Plus you’ll graduate with two full years of paid work experience through North America's largest co-op program.

By graduation, you’ll be ready to design comprehensive, ground-breaking solutions for the toughest engineering problems. Think everything from heath-care management to advanced cyber-physical security to complex energy systems.

Program highlights

Unlimited innovation opportunities. Use a "big picture" approach to solve problems. Our grads go on to engineering consulting, project management, graduate school, start-ups, and more.
Multi-directional engineering. Learn fundamentals in electrical, mechanical, and software engineering with an overarching focus on engineering design and systems-driven thinking. Choose from 300 different electives to gain a well-rounded experience!

Offered as a co-op program only
Graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering
Offered by the Faculty of Engineering

Why Waterloo Engineering?

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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.

What will you learn?

During your first year, you'll take foundational courses exploring subjects like communication in system design, digital computation, and physics.

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

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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

Product design/development
Rapid prototype software developer
Product manager
User experience designer
Application developer
Control systems software designer co-op
Machine learning developer

Sample co-op employers

Deloitte
Yelp
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc
Shopify
Atomic Labs

What can I do with a degree in Systems Design Engineering?

Waterloo Systems Design Engineering graduates commonly pursue careers in business analysis, technology consulting, and applications engineering. They often utilize their interdisciplinary skills to work for manufacturing companies, accounting firms, technology companies, and more.

Hardware program manager – Microsoft
User experience design – CIBC
Transportation planner – WSP
Project design engineer – Apple
Project lead – Space Robotics
Product manager – Shopify
Energy manager – Hydro Ottawa
Senior solutions engineer – D2L

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! 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.