Software Engineering Technology – Faculty of Engineering

Software Engineering Technology

Learn about the design, development, and deployment of computing systems in the software products and computing infrastructure areas from both technical and managerial points of view.

Length
24 courses (Advanced Entry From College)
Degree
Bachelor of Technology (Co-op Mandatory)
Program
Bachelor of Technology (Degree Completion)
Options

Co-op

Program highlights

Our unique ‘diploma to degree’ program is tailor-made for college graduates wishing to upgrade their education and further their careers. All eligible program entrants receive two years’ worth of advanced credit from their previously completed college diploma or university degree. The greatest advantage of the program is you can complete your degree while you’re working.  

Curriculum

There are 17 core technical courses that cover advanced math, electricity and electronics, control theory, thermal fluids, as well as power generation, distribution, quality, protection, and maintenance. Seven management courses complement your studies. We now offer courses in data science and artificial intelligence.

Career paths

Graduates are ideal candidates for engineering, business analysis, project management, and supervisory roles that require a technical background. They create and manage computing systems to support a wide range of applications such as telecommunications, manufacturing, e-commerce, finance and healthcare. 

Admission requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Applicants must hold an advanced technology diploma (3 year) or equivalent in related technology field:

  • Computer Systems Technology (Software or Networking)
  • Computer Engineering Technology
  • Computer Programmer/Analyst
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Electronics Engineering Technology
Anticipated Admission Range
Minimum cumulative GPA of 75% or higher
OUAC Code
MET
View degree requirements (Opens in new window)

Additional notes:

  • Applicants with educational backgrounds equivalent to those completing advance level college diplomas, including internationally educated applicants, will be considered on an individual basis and are encouraged to apply. We cannot pre-assess candidates for admission prior to becoming applicants.
  • You must submit transcripts for ALL post-secondary work that you have completed (i.e. at a university or college in Canada or internationally), including work in any non-technology field completed prior to or after your advanced diploma.

Eligible college partner programs

A list of eligible college partner programs can be found here.

Student in Career Advising Office

Program structure

There are 24 courses required to complete your four-year McMaster University degree.

A flexible evening and weekend schedule runs for 12 months of the year (3 semesters), giving students the option to work full-time while completing the program.

Timetables:

 

View program sequence flowchart (Opens in new window)
Students looking at laptop in the JHE Lobby

The Residency Model of Education

Taking a very progressive pedagogical step that will result in a transformational education experience for our students, all courses in the SFWR program will be assessed using the pass/fail grading scale, replacing the letter grades for the courses.

The Residency Model is being implemented after much deliberation and consideration of various aspects such as the quality of education and the increasing stress and health challenges for our students.

This pedagogical leap is expected to foster exploratory learning, promote student health and wellbeing, and ultimately result in a better educated and enlightened citizenry who will play a critical role in leading and advancing the society.

We believe that by adopting this progressive measure, we will significantly improve the quality and reputation of our program, ultimately benefitting our students.

Student working on machine

Co-op and experiential learning

Gaining relevant co-op experience is an essential part of earning a BTech degree.

This required 8-month co-op component will allow students to gain valuable work experience and career connections.

While support and guidance is available through the Engineering Co-op and Career Services to assist students with your job search, resume writing and interviewing skills, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to satisfy the co-op program requirement.

Students who have completed college work terms or who have work experience in a related field can be assessed for a waiver for the co-op requirement.

 

Learn more about co-op
Two students sitting and chatting in the academic advising waiting room

Application information

1. Review your eligibility for the program in the Admission Requirements tab. If you don’t see your program listed, please contact us to thinkeng@mcmaster.ca. Those who must begin in the Technology Certificate program can find application information here.

2. Fill out the online application: www.ouac.on.ca (enter Program Code – MET and select your area of interest)

3. If you have not already done so through your OUAC application, please send official post-secondary transcripts directly from your institution to:

Admissions Office, Gilmour Hall, Room 108 McMaster University 
1280 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8

Submit transcripts for all post-secondary work, regardless of when it was completed or what field your studies were in.

  • Applicants with international credentials must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (www.wes.org/ca). We require a WES course-by-course with an overall GPA assessment to be completed and sent to McMaster.
  • High school transcripts are NOT required.
TermApplication DeadlineDocument Deadline
Winter 2024 November 1, 2023 November 15, 2023
Spring/Summer 2024 March 31, 2024 April 7, 2024
Fall 2024July 1, 2024July 15, 2024

Not finished college yet? In order to finalize your admission, we require final transcripts and indication that an advanced diploma has been granted. For this reason, students cannot begin in the term immediately following college studies.

Careersand further studies

Sample careers:

  • Software Solutions Manager, Contact Resource Services
  • Electrical Infrastructure Designer, IBI Group
  • Associate Director, Pivotal Labs Toronto
  • Founder & CEO, Radtek Inc

Professional Engineer Designation (PEng):

  • Effective May 15, 2023, the PEO’s updated application criteria for the PEng designation affected the eligibility of McMaster BTech graduates. Under the new application criteria, the BTech degree does not satisfy the PEO’s academic requirement for PEng licensing (although BTech grads do qualify for a PEO Limited Licence – LEL).  We are in active communication with the PEO in an effort to re-establish the previously approved PEng pathways for BTech grads; please revisit this website for updates. In the meantime, BTech grads can still apply to become a P.Eng. in other Canadian Provinces, completing the process online while working in Ontario, and, once licensed, transfer their P.Eng. licence to Ontario.

Need moreinformation?

Get in touch

We’ll help you through every step, from applying, to accepting your offer and joining us on campus!

Request more info

W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology

We blend our focus between academic theory, engineering practice and understanding how to leverage technology to create solutions and produce value for society.

Learn more
Drone shot of ITB