Software Engineering and Society – Faculty of Engineering

Software Engineering and Society

Build a solid foundation in software engineering with an emphasis on applications and systems that control physical devices, while also considering the ethical and societal aspects of technology in our daily lives.

Length
5 years
Degree
Bachelor of Engineering & Society (Co-op Available)
Program
Engineering
Options

Co-op

Program highlights

Computing is used to solve problems, manage information, create smart technologies, explore the world, and connect to other people. Software engineers master the fundamentals of engineering like their colleagues, but specialize in the design and development of computer systems and software.

Fundamental design principles

Students are instilled with lasting design principles and a thorough grounding in developing software that supports engineering applications and controls physical devices, ensuring their skills remain relevant in the evolving field.

Software testing and simulation

Students learn to apply basic mathematics and science (including relevant Computer Science), as well as undertake disciplined testing and simulation to ensure that any system they design will perform its tasks adequately when delivered to a customer for use.

Multiple people have complimented me for not being a ‘typical engineer’ and I think McMaster Engineering’s Software & Society program is partially to thank for that. Being considerate and mindful while practicing engineering is important, especially as we continue to be a more connected world.

Graeme Crawley, Software Engineering and Society

Engineering and Society advantage

Core courses include:

  • The Culture of Technology
  • Case Studies in the History of Technology
  • Preventive Engineering: Environmental Perspectives
  • Social Control of Technology

In addition, three courses called Inquiry in an Engineering Context, develop skill at formulating questions, carrying out research and communicating findings. These courses help to examine the complex nature of issues like sustainable development and systems failure.

Learn more about Engineering and Society

Admission requirements

Academic Prerequisites

This is an above level 1 specialization that requires successful completion of the Engineering 1 general first year.

Use the Future Students admissions tool for entry requirements.

How to Apply Software Engineering and Society degree requirements (Opens in new window)
Students working on machine

What makes this program unique?

Our students are trained as engineers with a core specialization in the development of software.

McMaster’s Software Engineering program is unique in that it provides students with a solid grounding in software development for supporting engineering applications and for controlling physical devices.

Software Engineers are ultimately responsible for the usability, safety, and reliability of their products. For example, the SE must make sure that the system and its documentation are consistent, that the hardware configuration is appropriate to the task, that programs will behave as required, and that the system will meet all real-time deadlines and other performance requirements. Because they must understand what is going on outside the computer, not just the software, the McMaster program includes much more than software design.

Students examining solar cell material

Your first year

All students in McMaster’s undergraduate engineering program share a common first-year, Engineering 1.

Engineering 1 provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of engineering disciplines. Students take real problems in society and learn the technical and teamwork skills to solve them.

Explore all of our degree path options before choosing a focus discipline for second year and beyond.
Engineering 1
Student working on machine. Hands-on experience.

Co-op and experiential learning

Experiential learning provides students with hands-on opportunities beyond the traditional lecture-style format to gain valuable experience.

The Engineering Co-op Program is an optional program which provides you with the opportunity to work in real engineering positions before you graduate. The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) administers the undergraduate co-op program.

Example employers:

  • Bell Canada
  • IBM Canada
  • RBC Royal Bank
  • CIBC Canadian Imperial Bank of Canada
  • Thales Canada
  • Intelex
  • Ericsson
  • Evertz Microsystems
  • NCR Corporation
  • Sun Life Financial

Learn more about co-op.

McMaster Engineering has many engineering clubs, teams and societies you can join to enhance your practical knowledge and soft skills, provide support, or give you the chance to explore new activities. Clubs are an enjoyable way to enrich your student life and contribute to your social development and academic success.

  • Software Engineering Club
  • PhaseOne (formerly HackItMAC)
  • McMaster SumoBot Club
  • MacACM
  • McMaster Solar Car Project

Browse opportunities to get involved and gain experience.

Engineering programs have been enriched with interdisciplinary design courses, enabling students to work in teams on real-world problems. This practical experience builds their portfolios and hones skills vital for managing complex projects and utilizing emerging technologies. It prepares them for co-ops and future careers, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and an understanding of societal issues.

Four project-based design courses that all students take include:

  • ENGINEER 1P13: Integrated Cornerstone Design Projects in Engineering
  • ENGINEER 2PX3: Engineering Design 2: Communications and Societal Impact
  • ENGINEER 3PX3: Engineering Design 2: Engineering Economics
  • CAPSTONE

Find out more

Explore the experiences catalogue

Careersand research

Career paths

Most graduates start out being developers, but a wide variety of software-intensive industries, from large companies to start-ups. McMaster, through The Forge, provides a lot of help to entrepreneurial students with bright new ideas.

  • Biomedical field
  • Computer system development
  • Power, chemical, or automotive industry

Research areas

McMaster Engineering has a world renowned research group in software engineering pursuing research in a wide range of areas including:

  • Software certification
  • Wireless systems
  • Optimization
  • Software development
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Power systems

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

Understand every step, from applying, to accepting your offer and joining us on campus!

How to apply

Department of Computing and Software

We’re developing the engines of economic growth in a digital society.

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