Engineer the interactions between anything and everything
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?
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.
Get tips from Waterloo students
Join our monthly newsletter for tips such as choosing a university program, life at Waterloo, and finances.
Questions? Ask a student!
Ask a Faculty of Engineering student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!
Systems Design Engineering admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s to low 90s.
Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
Related programs
Learn more
- Visit our Systems Design Engineering program website.