Systems Design Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

University of Waterloo

Canada, Waterloo

University RankQS Ranking

115

Apply Now!

Go to Official Website

Home/Canada/Waterloo /University of Waterloo/Systems Design Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

University of Waterloo

Canada , Waterloo

Key Facts

Program Level

PhD (Philosophy Doctorate)

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 48 month(s)

Tuition Fee

CAD 7,396 / per term

Next Intake January-2026

Systems Design Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

About

Conduct research to generate new knowledge and advance your career with the PhD in Systems Design Engineering program.

You’ll take an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to exploring solutions to engineering problems at the cutting edge of technology and design. This program will prepare you to pursue or advance your career in fundamental or applied research in academic, government or corporate environments.

Research fields

Biomedical Engineering
Human Factors and Ergonomics
Machine Learning and Intelligence
Mechatronic and Physical Systems
Modelling, Simulation and Systems Theory
Optimization and Decision Making
Societal and Environmental Systems
Vision, Image and Signal Processing

Requirements

Entry Requirements

A master’s degree in engineering with a minimum average of 80% or a Master of Applied Science that includes the following two courses or their equivalent:
- Calculus II (SYDE 112)
- Matrices and Linear Systems SYDE 114)
And one of the following two courses or their equivalent:
- Probability and Statistics (SYDE 212)
- Calculus 3 (SYDE 211)
Demonstrated ability to formulate research problems and to execute the research required to solve problems (such as a Master of Applied Science (MASc) research thesis or published scientific/technical papers).
Transfer to the PhD program without completion of the MASc program: a student enrolled in a MASc program at the University of Waterloo may apply for transfer to the PhD program without completing a master's degree. Transfer from a MASc program to a PhD program will normally be considered if an applicant:
- Has an excellent undergraduate record.
- Has obtained a grade average of at least 80% in courses that have been taken for graduate credit.
- Has developed a clearly defined research program that seems likely to satisfy the research proposal component of the PhD comprehensive examination and has demonstrated an aptitude for research.
- Presents objective evidence of adequate English language skills which should enable the candidate to write a thesis and to communicate orally.
- Is not beyond the fourth academic term of a MASc program.

Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree.
Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the Department of Systems Design Engineering graduate students.