4 programs, side by side

Full	Waterloo Software Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WSO ☆ Add to planRemove	Carleton Engineering – Software OUAC CES ☆ Add to planRemove	Ottawa Computer Engineering (4 years) OUAC OBE ☆ Add to planRemove	Waterloo Management Engineering (Co-op Only) OUAC WEM ☆ Add to planRemove
Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in
Published rangetheir exact wording	90–97%“Low- to mid-90s”	75–80%“75–80% (regular and co-op)”	80%	83–90%“Mid- to high-80s”
Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U	MCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U	MCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U	ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U
Choose one ofany of these satisfies it	—	—	one of ENG4U, FRA4U	—
Prerequisitesas published	English (ENG4U – min. 70%) Advanced Functions (min. 70%) Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%) Chemistry (min. 70%) Physics (min. 70%)	Advanced Functions (MHF4U) Calculus (MCV4U) Chemistry (SCH4U) Physics (SPH4U) 2 best 4U/M courses +3 more on the program page	ENG4U or FRA4U MHF4U MCV4U SPH4U SCH4U +2 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 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. Experience in developing well-structured, modular programs is required, as demonstrated by at least 1 of the following: strong performance in a programming course such as ICS3U, ICS4U or equivalent; strong performance in a programming contest; significant work experience; other (must be explained on the Admission Information Form). 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 Applied Science, BASc, Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op), BEng (Co-op)	—
First-year intakewhere published	127	—	88	90
What you study	Artificial IntelligenceComputer ScienceInformation SystemsInformation Technology	Artificial IntelligenceComputer EngineeringSoftware Engineering	Computer EngineeringComputer ScienceGeneral or Integrated EngineeringSoftware Engineering	Artificial IntelligenceBusiness StudiesEconomicsGeneral or Integrated Engineering
What it is	You study how to design, build, and maintain large software systems using engineering principles and mathematics. This co-op stream requires you to alternate between classroom terms and paid work terms in industry, giving you real project experience alongside your degree. It suits people who want hands-on experience, enjoy problem-solving with code, and are ready to balance school with regular full-time work placements.	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.	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.	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.
The door tomajors you reach through it	software engineering	software engineering	Applied to directly	Applied to directly
Entrance awardsat this campus, by average	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them	16 published, 9 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	22 published, 5 with no applicationfrom 75%See them	4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them
Source	University of Waterloo on OUInfo	Carleton University on OUInfo	University of Ottawa 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.