Program Overview

Overview of the Management Engineering Program

The Management Engineering program at the University of Waterloo is an interdisciplinary program that combines engineering's technical capabilities with organizational know-how. Students in this program gain skills in advanced data analytics, software development, machine learning, optimization, supply chain management, psychology, and economics. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and manage complex systems in Canada and abroad.

Program Details

• Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Management Engineering
• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
• Available as a co-op program: Yes
• Available as a regular program: No
• Available as a minor: No

Course Structure

The program consists of a combination of core courses and electives. In the first year, students take courses in math, programming, natural sciences, and core management engineering topics. The courses are designed to build a foundation in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technical communication.

First-Year Courses

• September to December:
  • MSE 100 – Management Engineering Concepts
  • MSE 121 – Introduction to Computer Programming
  • CHE 102 – Chemistry for Engineers
  • MATH 115 – Linear Algebra for Engineering
  • MATH 116 – Calculus 1 for Engineering
• January to April:
  • MSE 131 – Work Design and Facilities Planning
  • ENGL 192/COMMST 192 – Communication in the Engineering Profession
  • PHYS 115 – Mechanics
  • GENE 123 – Electrical Circuits and Instrumentation
  • MATH 118 – Calculus 2 for Engineering
  • One approved science elective

Upper-Year Courses

• The upper-year courses cover data analytics, optimization, software systems, operations management, and organizational behaviour, with projects that apply engineering tools to solve complex business and management challenges.
• Sample upper-year courses:
  • MSE 211 – Organizational Behaviour
  • MSE 332 – Deterministic Optimization Models and Methods
  • MSE 342 – Principles of Software Engineering
  • MSE 434 – Supply Chain Management
  • MSE 446 – Introduction to Machine Learning
  • MSE 543 – Analytics and User Experience

Co-op Program

The co-op program provides students with the opportunity to gain relevant paid work experience. Students alternate between school and work every four months, integrating their classroom learning with real-world experience.

Co-op Work-Study Sequence

Sample Co-op Job Titles

• Business analyst
• Product manager
• Data scientist
• Supply chain analyst
• Business systems analyst
• SQL application developer
• Full-stack developer
• Technical program manager intern

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Management Engineering program often pursue careers in software development, big data analysis, and industrial engineering. They commonly work for research centres, technology companies, and more.

Recent Graduates

• Product manager - Loblaw Digital
• Engineering program manager - Apple
• Data analyst - Wayfair
• Data scientist - Shopify
• Software development engineer - Amazon
• Senior manager, digital strategy - RBC Wealth Management
• Software developer, lead - Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
• Supply chain analyst - Weston Bakeries
• Technical consultant - Bentley Canada
• Data analytics consultant - KPMG

Possible Professional Designation

• Professional Engineer

Admissions Requirements

• Ontario students: Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Physics, and English (ENG4U), with a minimum final grade of 70% in each course.
• Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid- to high 80s.
• Supplementary information forms: Required for admission, including the Admission Information Form.
• Online video interview: Required for Faculty of Engineering scholarships and strongly recommended for admission.

Student Life

The University of Waterloo has a vibrant community that works hard and plays even harder. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, such as singing in an a cappella group, joining a varsity or intramural team, competing in design challenges or hackathons, volunteering, or leading a student society.

Student Design Teams

• Have fun and develop hands-on experience through one or more of the 35+ student-led design teams, including rocketry, concrete canoe, small airplanes, robotics, solar car, submarine racing, autonomous vehicle, Engineers Without Borders, and more.

Engineering Society (EngSoc)

• EngSoc is run by students and provides social and academic events and services to make the experience as a Waterloo Engineering student the best it can be.

Women in Engineering

• Women in Engineering (WiE) supports women and non-binary engineering students and alumni, while encouraging the next generation to pursue a future career in engineering.

Campus-Wide Activities

• The campus is packed with opportunities to get involved, with over 200 student-run clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, student government, and events.