University of Waterloo
200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1
Phone: (519) 888-4567
Staff and Faculty Directory
Contact the Department of Software Engineering Engineering
The three programs have common elements: they all stress an understanding of both digital hardware and software, though to varying degrees, and they all hone students' problem-solving skills. As well, graduates of all three programs may compete for some of the same jobs. However, the programs have different objectives.
Additional resources: A Computer Engineering students has written a page comparing Computer Engineering, Software Engineering and Computer Science. We also have a comparison of Computer Science and Software Engineering on our site.
Software engineering philosophy and discipline are taught early and practised throughout the program. Students are expected early on to design and evaluate their programs, in order to develop their technical skills as part of a successful development process. Through technical documentation, presentations, reports, and peer reviews, students develop strong communication skills. Through teamwork, they develop strong interpersonal skills.
First-year software engineering students take Calculus, Algebra, Discrete Mathematics, Logic, and Physics, to build a strong foundation in mathematics and natural sciences. They take an introductory course in digital design and computer architecture. They also take two computer science courses that teach good programming skills and design principles; these courses use C and C++ as their programming languages.
Contact the SE team for academic advising.
Software Engineering is a co-op program, which is year-round. The school year is divided up into terms, where each term lasts four months. There are eight academic terms and either five or six work terms, meaning it would take students 4 2/3 years to complete the degree requirements. The six work terms comprise two years of work experience.
You will graduate with a Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) degree.
Waterloo's Software Engineering program has been accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board as satisfying the educational requirements for an engineering licence.
Software Engineers help develop software for telecommunications, financial systems, aeronautics, medical devices, transportation systems, and banking and insurance companies. They tend to hold technical, decision-making positions, such as Systems Analyst, Software Architect, Quality Analyst, and Project Manager.
The School of Computer Science (CS) and the department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) both offer graduate programs in which students can study and do research in software engineering at the Master's and Ph.D. levels. Together, they have the largest number of Software Engineering faculty in Canada, and their research programs are internationally renowned and respected. In addition, both CS and ECE offer accelerated programs in which students can apply for graduate studies in their 3B term.
University of Waterloo
200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1
Phone: (519) 888-4567
Staff and Faculty Directory
Contact the Department of Software Engineering Engineering
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Office of Indigenous Relations.