Software Engineering (Master's programs)
Overview
The Master's programs in Software Engineering expand a student's knowledge of software engineering and prepares them for careers in research, development, and advanced software engineering systems. The Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Master of Engineering (MEng) programs in Software Engineering expand students' knowledge of software engineering through intensive state-of-the-art courses, projects, and/or a research thesis in their chosen area of interest. Software engineering focuses on the development and use of rigorous methods for designing and constructing software artifacts that will reliably perform specified tasks. Courses in these programs are designed to give students in-depth learning in software engineering, and opportunities for advanced development of skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership, as well as participate in scholarly activities of research, seminars and presentations.
These programs will be of interest to students with a background in Software Engineering, Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and related programs. They will prepare students for careers in research, development, and advanced software engineering systems for empowering humanity and addressing ethical, social, and economic concerns.
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
The objective of the MASc program is to prepare students for careers in research, development and advanced software engineering systems in a variety of application domains. Graduates of the program will be able to work as software engineers in research and development or other areas in advanced technology companies or government agencies, or continue their education at the PhD level.
All MASc students are required to successfully complete five courses (for a total of 15 credits) and a thesis (15 credits). Before defending their thesis, students must present the results of their research in a seminar. The MASc degree requirements are summarized below.
Master of Engineering (MEng)
The Master of Engineering (MEng) in Software Engineering is a course-based or a project-based master’s program that aims to provide the opportunity for students as well as software professionals to expand their knowledge and skills in software engineering.
All MEng students in the Software Engineering program are required to successfully complete ten courses (course-based option) or seven courses plus a project (project-based option) including the following core courses:
- ENGR 5510G - Foundations of Software Engineering
- ENGR 5520G - Software Development Methods and Tools
- ENGR 5590G - Software Engineering Studio
For the course-based option, students must complete one course from each of the following elective areas: Software Engineering, Software Systems, and General Electives. The remaining four courses can be from any of the electives categories.
For the project-based option, students must complete one course from each of the following elective areas: Software Engineering, Software Systems, and General Electives. One course from any of the electives categories and ENGR 5002G MEng/MEngM Project.
No courses at the undergraduate level or outside the program are allowed.
All MEng students are admitted to the course-based option. Students may request transfer to the project-based option after at least one term of study, if they find a faculty member who is willing to act as their project supervisor.
Admissions
Admissions
- Hold a four-year honours undergraduate engineering degree in software engineering, computer science, or another engineering degree in a relevant field from an accredited engineering program at a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
- Minimum overall academic standing of a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale), with a minimum B in the last two full-time years (four semesters) of undergraduate work or equivalent. B+ is preferred for MASc applicants.
Prior to being accepted into the MASc program, applicants must find a professor who specializes in their desired area of research and who is willing to act as a supervisor. Close technical contact with a faculty member is an essential part of thesis-based graduate education in software engineering.
Required supporting documents:
Please see the checklist of required documents for a list of supporting documentation that must be submitted with your application.
Required test scores for English language proficiency:
See English language proficiency for the minimum required test scores for this program.
Please see application deadlines for specific dates. Note that the application deadlines listed are for both the online application and all supporting documentation.
Applications for admission to all graduate studies programs are submitted online. There are five steps you must go through to complete the application process. See application process and requirements for step-by-step instructions.
Many of our graduate programs are extremely competitive; the number of qualified applicants normally exceeds the number of seats available for each intake. Satisfaction of minimum entry requirements does not ensure admission.
Research areas
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud and Edge Computing
- Computer Vision
- Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
- Data Engineering
- Embedded Software Systems
- Internet of Things
- Machine Learning
- Mobile Computing
- Natural Language Processing
- Networking
- Smart Agriculture
- Smart City Infrastructure
- Software Systems
- Software Verification and Validation
Learn more about the research areas within this program and find research experts by visiting the faculty’s website and the university's Expert Centre.
Additional Information
- ENGR 5510G – Foundations of Software Engineering
- ENGR 5520G – Software Development Methods and Tools
- ENGR 5590G – Software Engineering Studio
- ENGR 5550G - Software Testing and Quality Assurance
- ENGR 5560G - Software Security and Dependability
- ENGR 5740G - User Interface Design
- ENGR 5785G - Real-Time Data Analytics for Internet of Things
Please note that courses are subject to change without notice.
MASc applicants
Internal awards and funding
Applicants to research-based graduate programs who are studying full-time are automatically considered for some types of funding at the time of admission.
Types of funding that do not require an application:
- Entrance scholarships
- Minimum funding packages
- Teaching assistantships, research assistantships and graduate research assistantships
For more details on the above funding opportunities, see graduate student awards and funding.
Please note: Part-time students are not eligible for the above funding opportunities.
External awards and funding
Graduate program applicants are encouraged to apply for external awards to help finance their education. The application process differs for each competition, so review the information carefully to determine where and when you must apply. Please note: The majority of these awards are for domestic or permanent residents only.
MEng applicants
Applicants to professional or course-based programs are not normally considered for internal funding sources such as entrance scholarships, minimum funding packages, teaching assistantships, research assistantships or graduate research assistantships.
While external scholarships and awards for graduate students who fall under the above criteria are often limited, we encourage you to explore some of the external scholarship databases available for possible funding opportunities.
Tuition fees for graduate programs are charged on a flat-fee or fee-per-credit basis and vary by program and student status.
For current, specific fees and details on flat-fee versus fee-per-credit programs, please see tuition and fees.
Contact the program:
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
905.721.8668 ext. 2988
grad.engineering@ontariotechu.ca
Contact the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:
905.721.8668 ext. 6209
gradstudies@ontariotechu.ca
