3 programs, side by side

Rows marked with a dot are where these differ. Everything is each university’s own published wording; the “your average” row is yours, calculated the way each program does it.

	Carleton Engineering – Software OUAC CES Remove	Waterloo Management Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WEM Remove	Ottawa Commerce – Business Technology Management (4 years) (French Immersion Stream is available) OUAC OWM Remove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	75–80%“75–80% (regular and co-op)”	83–90%“Mid- to high-80s”	80%
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U	MCV4U MHF4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	one of ENG4U, FRA4U
Prerequisitesas published	Advanced Functions (MHF4U) Calculus (MCV4U) Chemistry (SCH4U) Physics (SPH4U) 2 best 4U/M courses +3 more on the program page	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)	ENG4U or FRA4U MHF4U MCV4U If you have not completed MCV4U, you can take the replacement course at the University of Ottawa either the summer before or during your first term. Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. +2 more on the program page
More than marks?supplementary application	Marks only	Yes NEW: All Engineering program applications require an online video interview. You will receive more information after you apply. An Admission Information Form is also required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application. Also considered: Involvement in extracurricular activities in school or community, evidence of interest in engineering and strong performance in mathematics, science or engineering-related competitions. Usually closes before January 15	Marks only
Co-op	Available	Available	Available
Degree	—	—	Bachelor of Commerce, BCom, Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op), BCom (Co-op)
First-year intakewhere published	—	90	82
What you study	Artificial Intelligence Computer Engineering Software Engineering	Artificial Intelligence Business Studies Economics General or Integrated Engineering	Business Studies Information Systems Management Management Studies
What it is	You study how to design, build, and maintain software systems and applications, from the coding and logic to the architecture that makes programs run. This program includes hands-on projects in artificial intelligence and computer engineering alongside core software development. The co-op placement is required, meaning you alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms at companies, giving you real workplace experience before you graduate.	This program teaches you how to manage engineering projects and operations by combining business decision-making with technical knowledge of systems, data analysis, and software. Unlike a straight engineering degree, it focuses equally on the management and optimization side of engineering work, drawing from fields like operations research and artificial intelligence. It suits students who are strong in math and science but interested in leadership roles, problem-solving with data, and working on real problems through mandatory paid work terms.	This four-year program teaches you how to manage and implement technology systems within businesses — combining business strategy with information technology skills. Unlike a pure commerce degree, it focuses specifically on how companies use digital tools, data systems, and software to operate effectively. It suits students who want to work in roles that bridge business and IT, such as managing technology projects, analyzing business data, or overseeing digital transformation initiatives.
The door tomajors you reach through it	software engineering	Applied to directly	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	16 published, 9 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	22 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 75%See them
Source	Carleton University on OUInfo	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	University of Ottawa on OUInfo

Also compare with

Same subject area and a similar published range, at a campus you have not got in the table yet.

Ranges are what each university publishes, not guaranteed cutoffs, and limited-enrolment programs often admit above them. Confirm anything you are about to act on with the university; each column links to its source.