Software Engineering - PhD – Faculty of Engineering

Software Engineering – PhD

Graduate students in the PhD program focus on advancing knowledge of software lifecycle from design, implementation, and testing to documentation and maintaining, through intensive research in their chosen area of interest.

Length
4 years
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Co-op Available)
Type
Thesis-based
Options

Co-op

Overview

Outstanding students with a Master’s degree in a field other than Software Engineering will be counselled about the breadth and depth of the comprehensive examination before proceeding with the application. Each student’s background will be assessed and his/her program of study designed to ensure appropriate depth and breadth in Software Engineering.

Admission requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Master’s Degree (MAsc, MSc, or equivalent) in a related field.

Find English language requirements here.

Anticipated Admission Range
Minimum B+ (77-79%)
How to Apply Software Engineering PhD degree requirements (Opens in new window)

Program structure

Students must successfully complete the following program requirements:

  1. Equivalent of 4 one-term (half course) graduate courses in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or relevant areas of Engineering or Mathematics. At most two courses can be from outside the department, all must be at the 700-level. More than two courses outside the department requires approval of the department. Students may be required to take more courses as judged by the supervisory committee.
  2. Pass a two-part Comprehensive Examination. Part I tests breadth of knowledge (Part I Syllabus) and Part II is a defense of a thesis proposal.
  3. Prepare and successfully defend a thesis.
View degree regulations
Student working on machine in Learning Factory. Hands-on experience.

Areas of research

Students can specialize in a variety of research fields including:

  • Combinatorial computing and optimization
  • Complexity, design and analysis of algorithms
  • Computer vision
  • Computational geometry
  • Control systems
  • Discrete event systems, discrete geometry
  • Formal methods
  • Mathematical programming
  • Mechanized mathematics
  • Medical imaging
  • Optimization: Theory, algorithms and complexity
  • Parallel and distributed computing
  • Real-time and embedded systems
  • Robotics
  • Requirement activities
  • Scientific computation
  • Software engineering
  • String algorithms
  • Theory of non-sequential systems

Co-op and Student Life

  • Graduate Co-op

    Master’s and PhD students may complete 4 to 12 months of co-op experience in various types of organizations, including corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, startups and research institutions.

    Explore Co-op

  • Engineering Graduate Society

    The EGS actively supports engineering graduate students through events, workshops, bursaries, and collaboration with various campus organizations, focusing on representation, community building, and academic and professional development.

    Visit the EGS site

  • Life in Hamilton

    Hamilton, also known as The Hammer or Steeltown, is a thriving city close to the U.S. border and Toronto, with easy access for students commuting from the Greater Toronto Area via the on-campus GO Bus Terminal.

    Discover Hamilton, ON

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How to apply

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

How to apply

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