Overview
Small classes, award-winning professors and incredible co-op opportunities.
The Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program positions you to be at the forefront of change in engineering industries. With a unique blend of theory and practice, students spend more than 750 hours in lab settings applying engineering principles to develop innovative technical solutions.
Guided by industry advisory committees and taught by professors with relevant experience, each of the three BTech programs is geared to tackle technological change head-on.
With 25 per cent of the curriculum devoted to business and management courses, graduates are uniquely positioned to take on leadership roles and contribute to the success of an organization. Average class sizes of 80 students mean more interaction with your professors and a close-knit student community.
You’ll earn a BTech Degree from McMaster University (in one of the 3 direct entry programs), as well as an Advanced Technology Diploma and Business Management Certificate from Mohawk College. Additionally, 100% of BTech students graduate with co-op. With at least 12 months of work experience when you graduate, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running in a career.
Students apply directly to their desired program:
- Automation Systems Engineering Technology
- Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology
- Biotechnology
Mac Eng your Way
No two paths in engineering look the same.
Experience Mac Eng to the fullest by pursuing extracurricular, co-curricular, co-op, research and volunteer opportunities that will enrich your academics and support your development as a well-rounded, career-bound graduate.
Expandable List
The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) provides comprehensive support, offering the knowledge and opportunities needed to build career confidence. It will be your go-to place for total career empowerment.
The Centre has a suite of offerings, including co-op programs across all engineering disciplines, dynamic student engagement initiatives and support for experiential learning opportunities like clubs and teams.
Our approach is rooted in career development theory and practice, ensuring personalized paths to success through immersive industry experiences and skill-building opportunities.
How co-op works
Your professional career starts right from your first year with an engaging introductory career planning and employment course. Throughout the year, our dedicated team at the Centre connects with more than 1,000 employers, bringing them directly to you through 250+ virtual and in-person workshops and events. We’re here to support you every step of the way — from career exploration and job search to applications, interviews and offers.
Starting as early as the summer after your first year, you can embark on a four-month-long co-op. After your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into longer, more immersive co-op experiences lasting eight, 12 or 16 months
Experience Mac Eng to the fullest by pursuing extracurricular, co-curricular, co-op, research and volunteer opportunities that will enrich your academics and support your development as a well-rounded, career-bound graduate.
BTech students typically complete a 4-month co-op term after second year and an 8-month co-op term in third year. Many students take advantage of other co-op terms to suit their schedule!
Skill-building experiences
Whether you’re interested in a technical challenge or cultivating community on an identity-based club, these enriching experiences help develop essential skills like leadership, communication and problem-solving that are highly sought after by employers.
The Hatch Centre
Feel the energy in the Gerald Hatch Centre for Engineering Experiential Learning. This 28,000-sq ft space is home to the McMaster Engineering Society and many of our affiliated clubs and teams. Brainstorm, collaborate and bring ideas to life in student-run rooms, lounges and garages.
Academic credit
Not just passion projects. You can earn course credit (3CX3 and 4EX3) for participating in both technical and non-technical clubs and teams.
Global impact
Our impact defies borders. Building on our rich history, we’re an innovative education and research community committed to discovery and improving the world around us. We believe that human and societal health and well-being depends on diverse perspectives and ideas. We’re proud of our global connections.
Our international student community represents more than 100 countries, and we’ve established research partnerships with universities worldwide. We support student clubs and teams that compete internationally, facilitate global exchanges
and co-op opportunities, and graduate students who go on to work across the world.
Groundbreaking research
Mac Eng is one of Canada’s most research-intensive Faculties. Our people are leading advancements in nuclear energy, antibiotic alternatives, cultured meat, hydrogen energy, electric vehicles, recyclable materials and more. We’re home to the largest-in-Canada undergraduate research program, which allows students to:
- Participate in research as early as first year
- Access more than 50 Engineering Research Experience Scholarships issued with major entrance scholarships
- Be one of more than 200 undergraduate researchers each year working on teams making cutting-edge discoveries
Inspiring innovation
On-campus incubators like The Forge@Mac and The Clinic are dedicated to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs every step of the way. The majority of budding businesses connected to The Forge are affiliated with McMaster Engineering.
The Faculty of Engineering offers $2,500,000+ in entrance scholarships and research awards to students entering a Level 1 Faculty of Engineering program. Only one application is required to be considered for all eligible awards!
Scholarships available include Dean’s Excellence Awards and Big Ideas Awards, as well as scholarships for participation in organizations like SHAD, FIRST Robotics, and DECA. Open to both domestic and international students. See full details here.
Your Classes
What you’ll take:
Automation Systems Engineering Technology I Co-op:
- Chemistry (ENGTECH 1CH3)
- Python Programming (ENGTECH 1PP3)
- Electricity and Electronics I (ENGTECH 1EL3)
- Mathematics I (ENGTECH 1MC3)
- Mathematics II (ENGTECH 1MT3)
- Physics (ENGTECH 1PH3)
- Foundations of Business (GENTECH 1BZ3)
- Professional Communications (GENTECH 1PC3)
- Analytical Chemistry (ENGTECH 1AC3)
- Object-Oriented Programming (ENGTECH 1PR3)
- Introduction to Health and Safety (WHMIS 1A00)
Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology I Co-Op:
- Chemistry (ENGTECH 1CH3)
- Python Programming (ENGTECH 1PP3)
- Electricity and Electronics I (ENGTECH 1EL3)
- Mathematics I (ENGTECH 1MC3)
- Mathematics II (ENGTECH 1MT3)
- Physics (ENGTECH 1PH3)
- Foundations of Business (GENTECH 1BZ3)
- Professional Communications (GENTECH 1PC3)
- Statics and Mechanics of Materials (ENGTECH 1ME3)
- Object-Oriented Programming (ENGTECH 1PR3)
- Introduction to Health and Safety (WHMIS 1A00)
Biotechnology I Co-Op:
- Chemistry (ENGTECH 1CH3)
- Python Programming (ENGTECH 1PP3)
- Electricity and Electronics I (ENGTECH 1EL3)
- Mathematics I (ENGTECH 1MC3)
- Mathematics II (ENGTECH 1MT3)
- Physics (ENGTECH 1PH3)
- Foundations of Business (GENTECH 1BZ3)
- Professional Communications (GENTECH 1PC3)
- Analytical Chemistry (ENGTECH 1AC3)
- Biology (ENGTECH 1B13)
- Introduction to Health and Safety (WHMIS 1A00)
Learn more about your B. Tech. I requirements here.
AUTOMATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
The Automation Systems Engineering Technology program equips students with the skills to build complex electronic systems that solve everyday problems. By integrating knowledge from chemical, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, graduates are prepared to transition seamlessly between industries. Whether it’s robotics or food processing, wherever there are automatic systems using sensors, instruments, actuators and networks, skilled automation specialists will find their place.
Where will you go?
- Design and implement automation systems to enhance efficiency in industries such as petrochemicals, power generation, pharmaceuticals and primary steel
- Create control systems and assembly lines to streamline production and improve quality
- Develop and program robotic applications for industrial and commercial use
AUTOMOTIVE & VEHICLE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
The Automotive and Vehicle Engineering Technology program prepares students to enhance vehicle safety, speed, cleanliness and sustainability. With a systems perspective, this program integrates mechanical, electrical, computer science, mechatronics and materials engineering disciplines. Students gain hands-on experience in 3D CAD modeling, robot programming, controller tuning, electric/hybrid vehicle design, vibration control, troubleshooting and manufacturing.
Where will you go?
- Develop hybrid and green vehicle technologies to support the future of sustainable transportation
- Design power and control systems, engines, and vehicle bodies for high-performance applications
- Conduct advanced analysis of mechanical components, assemblies, and systems to ensure safety and reliability
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that merges basic science, applied science and engineering. Study genetic engineering, cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, analytical instrumentation and bioprocessing. Students delve into the latest research in immunology, virology, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. Combining a strong theoretical foundation with extensive lab experience, graduates are well-prepared for careers in genetic engineering and bioprocessing.
Where will you go?
- Work in bio-fuel, food, and pharmaceutical industries to drive innovation in health and sustainability
- Monitoring quality control and assurance of biomaterials and bioproducts to meet industry and regulatory standards
- Engage in bioinformatics, genetic and protein engineering, nanobiotechnology and bioremediation
For a full list of courses that can be available in this program, please consult the academic calendar.