Software Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
(Schulich School of Engineering)
The momentum of the information revolution is generating a greater demand for computer and software engineers capable of meeting today’s increasing information needs. More software engineers are needed to develop the “intelligence” for, and maintain the reliability of, computer systems and “smart” technologies that modern civilization has become so dependent upon. From computer games to banking systems to Internet programming, software engineers use their specialized knowledge to develop, install, validate, and maintain software systems. They apply their computer language and programming skills in the analysis and design of software to increase system performance and reliability.
The Software Engineering program starts with a common first-year curriculum foundation in math, science and engineering principles. Upon admission to software engineering in the second year, students concentrate on applied math, circuits, programming, and software engineering processes. These concepts are later applied in various team software development projects, especially in fourth-year design courses. In the final year, students can customize their program by selecting from a wide range of technical electives such as graphics, computer and digital systems, computer communication, networks, and individual software engineering projects to gain additional work experience or develop expertise in a particular area.
You can also complete a Biomedical Engineering Specialization or an Energy and Environment Specialization alongside many regular BSc degrees in Engineering. Note that the Energy and Environment Specialization cannot be combined with a degree in Software Engineering.
Admission Requirements
Enrolment in the Schulich School of Engineering is limited.
To be considered for admission to the Schulich School of Engineering, applicants are required to present five appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.
Applicants who present a two-year Engineering diploma or applied technology degree will be considered on the basis of their cumulative GPA on the diploma or applied technology degree. An Admission GPA will not be calculated using credits transferable from individual courses within the diploma or applied technology degree.
Applicants who receive transfer credits for the first year engineering program are eligible to be considered for direct admission to a degree program (major). Each degree program has a separate quota. Transfer students who are considered for direct admission to a degree program will be admitted to the specializations based on their grade point average (GPA) on the most recent eight to ten university transferable technical or scientific courses. If a transferable course is repeated, only the first passing grade (C- or better) will be counted in this GPA. The GPA required for admission may be different for each degree program.
Application/Document Deadlines
Why Study Software Engineering?
Soft spot for software
Do you love working with computers? Do you enjoy knowing the finer points of how software programs work? Software engineering provides software enthusiasts with the opportunity to learn more about their favorite topic and gives them a chance to be creative and innovative as they develop and design software systems of their own. If you want a career combining creativity with high-tech knowledge, software engineering might be the program for you!
Developing intelligence
Within the rapidly expanding field of software engineering, graduates have numerous opportunities to help shape and direct society’s development in the information age; whether it’s through Internet banking, virtual-reality entertainment systems, or biomedical imaging programs. As more sophisticated computers and machines are produced, the software industry will require more engineering professionals to develop and maintain programming systems or “intelligence” for these new machines, as well as to create new software that can perform more complex functions. Software engineering graduates can look forward to an exciting, challenging, and highly rewarding career.
Bugs and brains
Students in the software engineering program will experience a balanced education combining theoretical foundations with plenty of design and research experience so they can achieve success in their field. Graduates gain expertise in areas such as software development, design, implementation, analysis, debugging, project management, and even negotiation of project requirements with clientele.
Get experience
Calgary is known as the “engineering capital of Canada” and the Schulich internship is the largest of its kind in the country. 80% of students take advantage of a 12 – 16 month internship after the third year to make contacts, get experience, and offset the costs of education. International placements expand horizons even further.
What Can I Do with My Degree?
Graduates possess an excellent blend of theoretical and technical knowledge to prepare them for work in a dynamic and challenging field. They also have a strong sense of their role and impact on society and the environment and are able to communicate with clarity and precision. Software engineering graduates have strong research and design skills and can function effectively in both individual and group settings. They also have extensive programming and project- management experience. This allows them to find employment in a variety of industries that use advanced information systems, including: telecommunications, e-commerce, manufacturing, entertainment systems, security systems, and web design. Opportunities are also available in the following sectors:
Government
Communications security establishment, National Research Council
Education/communication
Technical writer, multimedia programmer
Business
Management information systems, software consultant
Additional Information
Student Finance
