4 programs, side by side

Full	McMaster Engineering I - Software Engineering OUAC MES ☆ Add to planRemove	Ottawa Génie informatique (4 ans) OUAC OBD ☆ Add to planRemove	Guelph Computer Engineering (BEng) (co-op admission only) OUAC GBL ☆ Add to planRemove	Waterloo Architectural Engineering (Co-op only) OUAC WEA ☆ 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	78–80%“78%; co-op 80%”	84–89%“84 to 89%”	83–90%“Mid- to High 80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4UMCV4USCH4USPH4U	MCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	one of ENG4U, FRA4U	—	—
Prerequisitesas published	English 4U Calculus & Vectors 4U Chemistry 4U Physics 4U	FRA4U or ENG4U MHF4U MCV4U SPH4U SCH4U +1 more on the program page	ENG4U MCV4U MHF4U SCH4U SPH4U +1 more on the program page	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)
More than marks?supplementary application	Yes OUAC application deadline: January 15, 2027 Mandatory supplementary application Usually closes before January 15	Marks only	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
Co-op	Available	Available	Available	Available
Degree	Bachelor of Engineering, BEng, Bachelor of Engineering and Management, BEng&Mgt, Bachelor of Engineering and Society, BEngSoc	Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op), BEng (Co-op), Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Applied Science, BSc/BASc	—	—
First-year intakewhere published	—	45	—	90
What you study	Software Engineering	Computer ScienceGeneral or Integrated EngineeringSoftware Engineering	Computer Animation and Visual EffectsComputer ScienceDesignGeneral or Integrated Engineering	ArchitectureBuildingCivil EngineeringDesign
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.	You study how to design and build computer software and systems from the ground up, combining computer science theory with practical engineering problem-solving. This is more applied and hardware-focused than a pure computer science degree, and the co-op requirement means you alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms with employers. It suits people who want hands-on experience in real jobs while learning, and who prefer the structured engineering approach to software development.	Computer Engineering combines the design and building of computer hardware and software systems. You'll study circuits, processors, programming, and how to integrate them into working devices — going deeper into the physical and mathematical foundations than a pure computer science program. This admission stream requires you to complete mandatory work terms alongside your studies, alternating between school and paid engineering jobs in industry.	You study how buildings are designed and constructed, combining architecture with engineering principles like structural systems, materials, and building codes. This program requires you to do co-op work terms alongside your studies, so you alternate between school and paid job placements in design firms or construction companies. It suits students who want hands-on experience in the building industry and prefer learning by doing real projects, not just in classrooms.
The door tomajors you reach through it	software engineering	Applied to directly	Applied to directly	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	22 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	12 published, 4 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	McMaster University on OUInfo	University of Ottawa on OUInfo	University of Guelph on OUInfo	University of Waterloo 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.