Together, we’re engineering a brighter future.
At McMaster Engineering, we offer you more than a best-in-class degree. We offer experiences that help create global-ready, socially aware citizens through project-based classes, flexible co-op work terms, research opportunities and dozens of clubs and teams.
Your track, your way
You can shape an academic journey that works for you. Choose the path that best fits your goals: apply directly to the engineering program you want to pursue, or apply to the Discovery Track and explore your options in your first year before selecting your program.
Apply to the Discovery Track
Explore your options in your first year before choosing your engineering program.
Apply directly to an engineering program
Secure a clear path toward your preferred engineering program from the start
Your first year of engineering: A shared experience
Regardless of whether you start in the Discovery Track or in a specific Engineering program, all students will begin in Level 1 Engineering, where you’ll dive into hands-on, collaborative and project-based learning. Tackle real-world problems while mastering the technical and teamwork skills needed to solve them.
Note: Students are encouraged to apply to the program that best aligns with their interests. Students who are unsure about which program they wish to pursue are encouraged to apply to the Discovery Track.
Explore our Programs
Additionally, with an extra year of study, our five-year specialized programs provide you with skills and experiences that can set you apart in the job market.
*Students in the five-year Chemical Engineering & Bioengineering program are ineligible to pursue Engineering & Management or Engineering & Society.
Fundamental skills in engineering (FUSE)
Dive into our dynamic suite of FUSE courses within the Bachelor of Engineering program. Through hands-on projects, you’ll develop a robust set of transferable skills that not only enhance your academic experience but also prepare you for the pinnacle of your studies: a final-year capstone project. Get ready to bridge the gap between theory and practice and emerge as a well-rounded Engineering graduate ready to make a difference!
Engineering your way
No two paths in engineering look the same.
Experience McMaster Engineering 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.
The Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) within the Faculty of Engineering 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.
The Centre’s 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, a dedicated team at the Centre connects with more than 1,300 employers, bringing them directly to you through 250+ virtual and in-person workshops and events. The staff are 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.
Skill-building experiences
Whether you’re interested in a technical challenge, competing on a design team, or finding community through a club or student group, these experiences help you build essential skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. With 70+ clubs and teams in the Faculty of Engineering alone, there are countless ways to get involved, develop your skills and connect with your community.
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 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
McMaster Engineering is one of Canada’s most research-intensive Faculties. Our people are leading advancements in health care innovations, nuclear research, sustainable energy, electric vehicles, materials and more. We’re home to one of the largest-in-Canada undergraduate engineering research program, which allows students to:
Fostering entrepreneurship
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 $2.5M+ 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, 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.
What you’ll take:
Students admitted directly to an engineering program will proceed into their selected discipline in Level 2.
Students admitted to the Discovery Track will rank their preferred engineering programs at the end of Level 1. Placement into an engineering program will be competitive and based on Level 1 GPA and the number of seats available in each engineering program.
Free Choice: A select number of top performing students who choose the Discovery Track as their preferred program may be offered Free Choice, which provides guaranteed placement in their engineering program of choice. This does not apply to Chemical Engineering & Bioengienering, Engineering & Management, and Engineering & Society five-year program options.
For a full list of courses that can be available in this program, please consult the academic calendar.