Software Engineering (Faculty of Engineering)

Apply nowBasic information for students graduating from:Quebec CEGEPOntario high schoolOther Canadian high schoolU.S. high schoolOther

This is only a summary: be sure to review the full admission requirements before applying.See the complete requirements

Overview

Software engineers design, develop and test the software programs that apply computer technology to everyday processes. Things as fundamental to our daily lives as downloading e-mails or scanning barcodes at the grocery store would not be possible without software engineers. The needs and opportunities are endless.

This program offers foundational knowledge in computer and electrical engineering. You will develop the skills needed to design, create and troubleshoot complex software systems. Our programs allow you to round out your education with complementary courses in the social sciences, management, humanities and law.

Software Engineering is offered through the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Computer Science. You can also pursue this program in the Faculty of Arts if you want to learn the principles, techniques and methodology of software engineering while exploring a range of other subjects.

Careers

As a software engineer, you can do essential, exciting and cutting-edge work. Software engineers design computer software and web applications, create flight navigation software, develop video games, and write automation programs for robotics.

Software engineers are in high demand — they offer a critical area of expertise in the rapidly evolving IT sector.

You could become a professional:

• Software development engineer
• Web developer
• Game developer
• Database administrator
• IT specialist

Courses

As a Software Engineering student, you can take courses like: 

• MATH 140 – Calculus 1
• MATH 141 – Calculus 2
• ECSE 200 – Electric Circuits 1
• ECSE 202 – Intro to Software Development
• ECSE 222 – Digital Logic

Possible minors

Minors are a great way to customize your academic experience. Many students use minors to pursue interests outside their major, while others choose minors to complement their degree.

Minors that complement this program:

• Management  
• Physics
• Statistics
• Technological Entrepreneurship

Admission requirements

Academic

Applicants to the Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Engineering (MEng) program must be the graduate of a recognized university and hold a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a McGill degree in Electrical, Computer or Software Engineering or a closely related field. An applicant holding a degree in another field of engineering or science will be considered but a qualifying year may be required to make up any deficiencies. The applicant must have a high academic achievement: a standing equivalent to a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4 or a GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 for the last two full-time academic years (or equivalent).

Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, in addition to satisfying the admission requirements for the MSc or MEng program, must hold a suitable Master’s degree from a recognized university. The applicant must have a high academic achievement: a standing equivalent to a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0.

Satisfaction of these general requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission to graduate studies is limited and acceptance is on a very competitive basis.

For more information on CGPA calculation please visit the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website on International Degree Equivalencies.

Proficiency in English

Applicants to graduate studies must demonstrate proficiency in English prior to admission, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin.

Normally, applicants who meet one of the following criteria are not required to submit proof of English proficiency:

• Mother tongue (language first learned and still used on a daily basis) is English.
• Has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction.
• Has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized institution in Canada or the United States of America (anglophone or francophone).
• Has lived and attended university, or been employed, for at least four consecutive years, in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language.

Applicants who do not meet one of the above criteria must provide proof of English proficiency by submitting one of the following test scores:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) minimum acceptable scores are:
  • iBT (internet based test) – overall score of 100 (no less than 20 in each of the four component scores)
  N.B. The institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable.
  www.ets.org
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – overall band score of 7.0 or greater (no less than 6.0 in each of the four individual component scores).
  www.ielts.org
• McGill Certificate of Proficiency in English – Mininum grade of “A-” in advanced courses or McGill Certificate of Proficiency – English for Professional Communication: Certificate of Proficiency awarded – minimum grade of “A-” in advanced courses.
  www.mcgill.ca/continuingstudies/programs-and-courses/languages/english

McGill accepts only electronic test scores.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that official test scores are sent directly from the testing service to McGill University (Institutional code: 0935) before the application deadline.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

Submission of GRE (General Aptitude Test) scores is not mandatory.  Applicants who have written the GRE are welcome to submit their scores for consideration.
www.ets.org/gre

McGill accepts only electronic test scores.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that official test scores are sent directly from the testing service to McGill University (Institutional code: 0935).