Program Overview

Program Overview

The Software Engineering program at the University of Waterloo allows students to apply both computer science and engineering philosophy, principles, and practices to the design and development of software systems. This program provides a disciplined approach to software development, including negotiating and documenting software requirements, following fundamental design principles, analyzing design alternatives, and evaluating whether the final product meets its requirements.

Differences between Computer Science and Software Engineering

When considering enrolling in Software Engineering or Computer Science, it is essential to understand the differences between these programs. The key similarities and differences are outlined below:

• Similarities: Graduates will have similar career outcomes as they will have many of the same core competencies from their program.
• Differences:
  • Software Engineering:
    • Focuses on software and hardware
    • Offers a structured program with few choices of electives
    • Co-op only — graduate in five years
    • Assignments will be completed in teams
    • The same group of students will progress through the program as a cohort
    • Students will graduate with their engineering ring - they can pursue their Professional Engineering Designation
  • Computer Science:
    • Focuses on software (Computer Science)
    • Offers a flexible program with many choices in electives
    • Co-op or regular graduate in four or five years
    • Assignments can be completed individually
    • No two students will have the same course schedule - opportunity to network with others
    • Lots of choice for students to add options and minors

Co-op

The Software Engineering program requires students to satisfy five to six work terms over the course of their studies. The co-op sequence is as follows:

• Year 1: 1A | 1B | *
• Year 2: 2A | * | 2B
• Year 3: * | 3A | *
• Year 4: 3B | * | 4A
• Year 5: * | 4B

Graduate Studies

Following the undergraduate degree, students can continue their studies in graduate school or pursue their professional designation. At Waterloo, students can pursue a Master of Mathematics (MMath) with a specialization in Computer Science, with the option to fast track their studies in the fourth year with the accelerated master's program. Additionally, students can work towards their Professional Engineering designation (PEng), using 12 months of co-op experience to count towards their hours.