3 programs, side by side

+ Add a program	McMaster Engineering I - Software Engineering OUAC MES ☆ Add to planRemove	Windsor General Engineering OUAC NE ☆ Add to planRemove	Ottawa Computer Engineering (4 years) OUAC OBE ☆ Add to planRemove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	87%“A minimum of 87% is required for consideration. Admission is by selection.”Admission by selection — the real bar may sit above this	74%“74% minimum average”	80%
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4UMCV4USCH4USPH4U	ENG4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U	MCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	one of ENG4U, FRA4U
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	74% minimum average ENG4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U +2 more on the program page	ENG4U or FRA4U MHF4U MCV4U SPH4U SCH4U +2 more on the program page
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes OUAC application deadline: January 15, 2027 Mandatory supplementary application Usually closes before January 15	Marks only	Marks only
Co-op	Available	Available	Available
Degree	Bachelor of Engineering, BEng, Bachelor of Engineering and Management, BEng&Mgt, Bachelor of Engineering and Society, BEngSoc	—	Bachelor of Applied Science, BASc, Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op), BEng (Co-op)
First-year intakewhere published	—	—	88
What you study	Software Engineering	Computer ScienceGeneral or Integrated EngineeringMathematicsOthers in Physical Sciences	Computer EngineeringComputer ScienceGeneral or Integrated EngineeringSoftware Engineering
What it is	You study how to design, build, and test software systems that solve real problems. Software engineering goes beyond pure coding to include planning, teamwork, and understanding what users actually need. This program includes mandatory co-op work terms where you apply what you learn in paid positions, and you can choose a degree stream that adds management skills or explores the social impact of technology alongside the technical core.	General Engineering is a broad first-year program that covers the fundamental principles of engineering — mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science — without specializing in one branch like civil or mechanical. After first year, you choose a specific engineering discipline to focus on. The co-op option lets you alternate between classroom semesters and paid work terms with engineering employers, giving you real workplace experience before you graduate. This program suits students interested in engineering but unsure which specialty appeals to them, or those who want to build practical skills alongside their degree.	Computer engineering combines the design of computer hardware with the software that runs on it. You'll study circuits, processors, programming, and systems that integrate both. The co-op stream lets you alternate between classroom and paid work terms at tech companies, giving you real industry experience alongside your degree, which sets it apart from the straight four-year option.
The door tomajors you reach through it	software engineering	engineeringsoftware engineering	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	None published by average	22 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 75%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	University of Windsor on OUInfo	University of Ottawa on OUInfo

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.