Computer Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Computer Engineering

Innovate with advances in electronics and software to create devices and systems that benefit people.

Length
4 years
Degree
Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op Available)
Program
Engineering
Options

Co-opManagementSociety

  • Combine design of computer hardware and software components

  • Apply knowledge to fields anywhere from medical systems to the automotive industry

  • Graduate in high industry demand with a variety of graduate studies options

I buy into the idea of experiential learning and applying what I’ve learnt in class to highly advanced and hands-on teams such as the McMaster Engineering EcoCAR 3 team.

Jamal Habash, Computer Engineering & 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.

MMRT students in workshop

Program structure

Programming principles and methodology is studied extensively while computer hardware design and architecture is modelled and explored.

In Level II you will study the basic principles of programming, digital logic and microprocessors. In the programming course you will learn how to write and analyze small programs. The digital logic will give you the opportunity to learn the basics of how the modern computers are organized and built. In the microprocessors course you will learn the language of embedded systems, machine-level code as well as how are all of those microchips in cell phones and MP3 players are designed.

  • COMPENG 2DI4 – Logic Design
  • COMPENG 2DX3 – Microprocessor Systems Project 
  • COMPENG 2SH4: Principles of Programming
  • COMPENG 2SI3 – Data Structures and Algorithms
  • ELECENG 2CI4 – Introduction to Electrical Engineering
  • ELECENG 2CF3 – Circuits and Waves
  • ELECENG 2EI4 – Electronic Devices and Circuits I
  • ENGINEER 2PX3 – Integrated Engineering Design Project 2
  • MATH 2Z03 – Engineering Mathematics III
  • STATS 3Y03 – Probability and Statistics for Engineering
  • ENGINEER 1EE0 – Introduction to the Engineering Co-op Program
  • 3 units approved complementary studies electives

In Level III you will learn computer hardware design, computer architecture and computer software design. In the computer hardware design your knowledge of hardware systems is taken to another level. In this course you will learn how complex systems such as MP3 players or peripheral devices such as hard disk drives are built as whole systems. In computer architecture, building on your knowledge from Level II, you will learn the techniques that make today’s computers faster and more efficient. In computer software design you will learn how to ensure that the devices we use are reliable, secure and error-free.

  • COMPENG 3DQ5 – Digital System Design
  • COMPENG 3DY4 – Computer Systems Integration Project
  • COMPENG 3SM4 – Algorithm Design and Analysis
  • ELECENG 3CL4 – Introduction to Control Systems
  • ELECENG 3EJ4 – Electronic Devices and Circuits 2
  • ELECENG 3TP3 – Signals and Systems
  • ELECENG 3TQ3 – Advanced Probability and Random Processes
  • ELECENG 3TR4 – Communication Systems
  • SFWRENG 3K04 – Software Development
  • ENGINEER 3PX3 – Engineering Design 3: Engineering Economics

In Level IV you will focus primarily on computer systems, shaping you into a complete computer engineer. You will study advances topics in computer hardware design and architecture. In addition, you will study how computers communicate in communication networks and study advanced Internet communications. You will also have a technical elective which will allow for customization of your program. You will also undertake a year long computer engineering design course where you will complete an open-ended project under the supervision of a faculty member.

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:

  • IBM Canada
  • GE Canada
  • Siemens Canada
  • Advanced MicroDevices (AMD)
  • CIBC Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
  • RBC Royal Bank
  • Toronto Hydro Corporation

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.

  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) McMaster Student Branch
  • McMaster Electrical and Computer Engineering Society
  • PhaseOne (formerly HackItMAC)
  • McMaster Solar Car Project
  • MAC Formula Electric
  • Arduino Club
  • McMaster ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)

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

Career paths

  • Digital Electronics
  • Software
  • Web applications
  • Computer security
  • Machine learning
  • Robotics
  • Digital Communications
  • Medical devices
  • Consumer electronics
  • Automotive industries

Research areas

  • Fault-tolerant computing
  • Digital system testing
  • Computer-aided design
  • Parallel processing
  • Video signal processing architectures
  • Neural computing
  • Computer security
  • Multimedia systems
  • Embedded computational systems
  • Biological computing

How to apply

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

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

We’re electrifying the world of engineering.

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