You can choose between research-based or course-based master's program, or perhaps you are ready for a doctoral program. Each department offers a range of programs to support your future career!
Research-based
A Master of Applied Science (MASc) degree is ideal for recent graduates or professionals seeking to expand their engineering knowledge through advanced study and research in a major field.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is ideal for students pursuing a career in fundamental or applied research in academic, government, or corporate environments.
In addition to the guaranteed minimum funding provided, students may be eligible for Teaching Assistantships within the department.
Finding a supervisor is not required before applying to research programs, Students must secure a supervisor to receive an offer of admission to research programs. Students cannot receive an offer of admission if a supervisor does not accept them. Visit our research and supervisors page for details on how to contact faculty within the department.
Visit the Future Students page to find full description of programs and admission information.
Doctoral (PhD)
The full-time PhD program is completed in 12 terms for entry from a master’s degree. The part-time PhD program is completed in 24 terms for entry from a master’s degree.
Information about program time limits can be found here. Students who are enrolled in a part-time research program are not guaranteed funding.
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
The full-time MASc program is completed in 6 terms. The part-time MASc program is completed in 12 terms.
Information about program time limits can be found here. Students who are enrolled in a part-time research program are not guaranteed funding.
Engineering undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo have the option to enrol in the Accelerated Master’s program to accomplish some of the work required for a MASc degree while completing their undergraduate program requirements.
Aeronautics Collaborative Program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Applied Science (MASc) Systems Design - Aeronautics
The Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP) is an entirely new approach to Master’s and Doctoral studies at the University of Waterloo. Supported by the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics, graduate students can apply directly to the Systems Design Engineering graduate program and select the Aeronautics admission option.
While completing their degree requirements in their home unit, students also complete aeronautical training alongside CAP students from other fields. The CAP will uniquely equip the next generation of leaders with the interdisciplinary skills needed to align innovation with impact.
Program requirements and courses:
Nanotechnology Collaborative Program
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Applied Science (MASc) Systems Design - Nanotechnology
The University of Waterloo offers the first MASc and PhD programs in Nanotechnology of its kind in Canada.
The interdisciplinary research program, jointly offered by three departments in the Faculty of Science and four in the Faculty of Engineering, provides students with a stimulating educational environment that spans from basic research through to application. The goal of the collaborative program is to allow students to gain perspectives on nanotechnology from a wide community of scholars within and outside their disciplines in both course and thesis work.
Admission Requirements are the same as those for MASc and PhD in Systems Design Engineering. For further information, please visit the engineering collaborative program page.
Program requirements and courses:
Course-based
Master of Engineering (MEng)
The Masters of Engineering (MEng) Program provides students advanced professional training through coursework. This program is ideal for recent graduates or professionals seeking advanced training to strengthen careers in the engineering field. Students may also take an optional Specialization to enhance their area of career interest. Although the department does not offer a graduate level co-op program, students looking for work integrated learning opportunities may enrol in WIL611 if offered during their degree.
The full-time MEng program is completed in 4 terms. The part-time MEng program is completed in 8 terms. Students in this course-based program do not have a research supervisor and are expected to be financially self-supported.
Review the below MEng program information before starting your application.
Program requirements and courses:
Specialization Options:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Biomedical Systems
- Human Factors
- Mechatronics and Physical Systems
- Vision, Image and Signal Processing
Admission Requirements
Find the SYDE admission requirements on the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) Academic Calendar and begin to prepare the application documents with enough time to upload them by the deadline date.
For research-based PhD and MASc programs only, admission is reliant on the applicant finding a suitable supervisor. A supervisor is not required at the point of application, so students can apply and upload all materials before finalizing their supervisor. However, applicants should begin speaking with prospective supervisors prior to applying, as the process can take some time. Faculty members in Systems Design Engineering can be found here along with basic information on their area of research.
Ensure to follow the steps to find a supervisor. Please note, MEng applicants do not need a supervisor.
Fees, Scholarships and Awards
Budgeting is ones of the most important factors when it comes to planning your graduate studies. Find out about tuition and budget, and the SYDE funding and scholarship opportunities.
Research-based students have minimum guaranteed funding. Course-based students are expected to be self-funded.
Visit the Funding, Scholarships and Awards page with full description and details.