university of toronto electrical engineering

The University of Toronto offers many accredited electrical engineering programs, including a bachelor of engineering (B.Eng.), master of engineering (M.Eng.), and doctor of philosophy (PhD).

The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) consistently ranks among the top in North America. It attracts outstanding students, has excellent research and teaching facilities, and is ideally located in the middle of Toronto, a vibrant cosmopolitan city. We have an outstanding faculty of more than 75 professors in biomedical, computer, communications, electromagnetics, electronics, energy systems, photonics and systems control; many of our members are international leaders in their fields. We have a new flexible undergraduate degree curriculum and an outstanding funding program for graduate students and research. We invite you to explore ECE online and in person. In this article we’ll also discuss university of toronto electrical engineering requirements, university of toronto electrical engineering courses.

University Of Toronto Electrical Engineering

What is ECE?

Engineers make the world a better place; they take a fuzzy idea and turn it into something real. They use math and science to solve problems and create new products and services. As an electrical and computer engineer you will work at the heart of the most rapidly developing technology humankind has ever seen. You’ll employ nanoelectronics, computers and new photonic crystals to create biomedical instruments that save lives and new robotic systems that can search disaster sites or remotely explore other planets. You will make devices and systems that harvest the energy of the sun, wind and sea and channel it into the energy grid that supports modern civilization.

The Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) program prepares you for a wide range of engineering study and career options, including business, biomedical engineering, computer hardware, the aerospace industry, computer software, nanoelectronic chips, photonics, nanoengineering, robotics and solar energy harvesting and distribution.

What do Electrical Engineers do?

Almost everything we use and rely on in our everyday lives has an electrical component – from the microwave that heats up our food to the computer games we play to the cell phone we use to keep in touch. Using electricity and light (photons), electrical engineers apply specialized engineering skills to the design, manufacture, application, installation and operation of electrical products and systems. Electrical technology can be combined with other fields of engineering, such as mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering, to designing diagnostic equipment and artificial limbs. Electrical engineering offers a broad range of research in areas as diverse as communications, systems control, biomedical engineering, electromagnetics, photonics, electronics and energy systems.

What do Computer Engineers do?

One of the newer engineering disciplines, computer engineers work in every sector of society and industry. They design the control systems for automated production lines, create software for digital telephone switching systems, plan and supervise the installation of a Local Area Network (LAN), and develop new operation systems for clients with specific needs.

There are three options within computer engineering to choose from: communication networks, software engineering or hardware engineering. Some students prefer to include all of these areas in their program of study. The choice is up to you.

Electrical and computer engineers work in a variety of fields including biomedical engineering, the aerospace industry, and intellectual property law. Many can be found in the business world where their technology and their problem-solving, time-management, communication and team-building skills are highly valued. Both are found in the banking and finance sectors, communications industry, power sector and IT businesses.

Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Computer science is offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto. It is primarily concerned with the programming side of computers as well as computational theory, numerical analysis, etc. Computer engineering is offered by the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at U of T, which means you will be an engineer when you graduate. Computer engineering students learn the hardware and software of computers. They study computer architecture and how computers can be used in industry, medicine and other systems, like communications or transit systems. They can choose from many areas of study including electronics, photonics, energy systems, electromagnetics, communication networks, nano engineering, biomedical engineering, to name just a few.

The computer engineering program at U of T allows students to focus their studies in the area of computers that most interests them. The ECE Department is within the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto. As such, students get to know each other very well — they attend the same classes, work together in labs and create design projects with their fellow engineering students.

Program Overview

The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers graduate courses and research opportunities in three programs of study. The Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are research-based degree programs and require the completion of a thesis. The Master of Engineering (MEng) is a course-based degree program and may be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

The MASc program provides students with an opportunity to pursue advanced studies in the particular field of major interest and an opportunity to engage in research. The program requires full-time study for a minimum of one year, coursework, and a thesis on a research project.

The MEng program is designed to provide professional training beyond the undergraduate level and to accelerate careers with specialized engineering expertise needed in business, government, and industry. The degree requirements, consisting of courses and an optional MEng project, are structured to be completed in one year by a full-time student.

The PhD program is designed for those exceptional individuals who intend to pursue a career in fundamental or applied research. The program requires coursework and the successful completion of a research thesis.

The department offers research in the following areas:

Biomedical Engineering
Communications
Computer Engineering
Electromagnetics
Electronics
Energy Systems
Photonics
Systems Control

Master of Applied Science

Program Description

The MASc provides students with an opportunity to pursue advanced studies in the particular area of interest and an opportunity to engage in research.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s additional admission requirements stated below.
An appropriate bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.
High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

university of toronto electrical engineering requirements

Program Requirements

Each student’s program of study must receive the approval of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted.
During Year 1, students are required to attend the ECE Colloquium and complete JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE).
Coursework. Normally, completion of 2.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or five half courses. Students whose undergraduate preparation does not include the study of subjects deemed to be necessary for research in the chosen area will be required to complete additional courses.
Thesis. This thesis shall demonstrate the student’s ability to do independent work in relating, organizing, and extending existing techniques where required, and in suggesting and developing new approaches to problems in an area of applied science and engineering.
Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Robotics or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Master of Engineering

Program Description

The MEng program can be taken on a full-time, extended full-time, or part-time basis.

Thomas Santerre, ECE student and Joonyur Bnad Leedur, plays the trumpet at an Engineering event.

Full-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s additional admission requirements stated below.
An appropriate bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.
High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Normally, completion of 4.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or nine half courses for applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation. At least 2.5 graduate FCEs or five half courses must be drawn from graduate courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Students may choose to complete an engineering project with an equivalent value of 1.5 FCEs. Students choosing the project option will be required to complete a total of 3.0 FCEs in addition to the project. In order to pursue the project option, the student must secure a professor who will act as the supervisor throughout the project.
Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Analytics; Biomedical Engineering; Communications; Computer Engineering; Electromagnetics; Electronics; Energy Systems; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS); Photonics; Robotics; Sustainable Energy; or Systems Control as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

3 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

Extended Full-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s additional admission requirements stated below.
An appropriate bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.
High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

Students are expected to complete the requirements in six sessions (two years) and are limited to six half courses per year and three half courses per session.
Coursework. Normally, completion of 4.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or nine half courses for applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation. At least 2.5 graduate FCEs or five half courses must be drawn from graduate courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Students may choose to complete an engineering project with an equivalent value of 1.5 FCEs. Students choosing the project option will be required to complete a total of 3.0 FCEs in addition to the project. In order to pursue the project option, the student must secure a professor who will act as the supervisor throughout the project.
Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Analytics; Biomedical Engineering; Communications; Computer Engineering; Electromagnetics; Electronics; Energy Systems; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS); Photonics; Robotics; Sustainable Energy; or Systems Control as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

6 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years

Part-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s additional admission requirements stated below.
An appropriate bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university.
High academic standing equivalent to a mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior-level courses.

Program Requirements

Students normally complete the requirements in nine sessions (three years). They are limited to four half courses per year and two half courses per session.
Coursework. Normally, completion of 4.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) or nine half courses for applicants with adequate undergraduate preparation. At least 2.5 graduate FCEs or five half courses must be drawn from graduate courses offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Students may choose to complete an engineering project with an equivalent value of 1.5 FCEs. Students choosing the project option will be required to complete a total of 3.0 FCEs in addition to the project. In order to pursue the project option, the student must secure a professor who will act as the supervisor throughout the project.
Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Analytics; Biomedical Engineering; Communications; Computer Engineering; Electromagnetics; Electronics; Energy Systems; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Identity, Privacy and Security (IPS); Photonics; Robotics; Sustainable Energy; or Systems Control as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

9 sessions

Time Limit

6 years

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD program is designed for exceptional individuals who intend to pursue a career in fundamental or applied research.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of the University of Toronto master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering or its equivalent from a recognized university; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MASc program; or 3) direct entry for exceptionally qualified students with an appropriate bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s additional admission requirements stated below.
Admission may be granted for applicants with a University of Toronto master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with an overall average of at least B+, or its equivalent from a recognized university.
The department must be satisfied of the student’s ability to do advanced research before admission may be granted.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Normally, students who enter the PhD with a master’s degree will complete 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) not previously used for other degree credit. Students may receive a course reduction of up to 1.0 FCE depending on their PhD research needs in relation to their studies at the master’s level. The number of required courses will be determined by the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, in consultation with the PhD supervisor.
During Year 1, each student must:
- pass a qualifying oral examination in the area of research;
- attend the ECE Colloquium;
- complete JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE) if they have not already done so in a previous University of Toronto master’s program.
Thesis.
Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Robotics or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

Admission may be granted to applicants via transfer from the MASc to the PhD program, upon completion of 2.5 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs) with an overall average of at least B+.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Normally, students who transfer from the MASc to the PhD will complete 1.5 graduate FCEs, in addition to courses completed while registered in the MASc program. Students may be required to complete up to 1.0 additional FCE depending on their PhD research needs in relation to their studies at the master’s level. The number of required courses will be determined by the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies, in consultation with the PhD supervisor.
During Year 1, each student must:
- pass a qualifying oral examination in the area of research;
- attend the ECE Colloquium;
- complete JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE) if they have not already done so in a previous University of Toronto master’s program.
Thesis.
Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Robotics or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

PhD Program (Direct-Entry)

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s additional admission requirements stated below.
Admission may be granted by direct entry for exceptionally qualified students with an appropriate bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
The department must be satisfied of the student’s ability to do advanced research before admission may be granted.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Students must complete 4.0 graduate full-course equivalents (FCEs).
During Year 1, each student must:
- pass a qualifying oral examination in the area of research;
- attend the ECE Colloquium;
- complete JDE1000H Ethics in Research (0.0 FCE) if they have not already done so in a previous University of Toronto master’s program.
Thesis.
Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Robotics or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Electrical and Computer Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

university of toronto electrical engineering courses

Emphasis: Analytics (MEng only)

To be admitted to the emphasis in Analytics, MEng students must first successfully complete a prerequisite course APS1070H (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE]).

Subsequently, to earn the emphasis, students must successfully complete four additional half courses (2.0 FCEs) from the list of core courses or elective courses. These must include at least one core course; the remaining courses must be selected from the list of elective courses.

Students must have completed the prerequisite course APS1070H before taking any of the core courses.

Prerequisite Course

APS1070H Foundations of Data Analytics and Machine Learning.

Core Courses

CHE1147H Data Mining in Engineering
ECE1513H Introduction to Machine Learning (exclusions: CSC411H, CSC2515H, ECE421H, ECE521H, ECE1504H)
MIE1624H Introduction to Data Science and Analytics
MSE1065H Application of Artificial Intelligence in Materials Design (exclusion: MSE1063H).

Elective Courses

APS502H, APS1005H, APS1017H, APS1022H, APS1040H, APS1050H, APS1051H, APS1052H, APS1053H, APS1080H,
CHE507H, CHE1108H, CHE1148H, CHE1434H,
CIV1504H, CIV1506H, CIV1507H, CIV1532H, CIV1538H,
ECE537H, ECE1504H (exclusions: CSC411H, CSC2515H, ECE421H, ECE521H, ECE1513H), ECE1505H, ECE1510H, ECE1657H, ECE1778H, ECE1779H,
MIE562H, MIE1413H, MIE1501H, MIE1512H, MIE1513H, MIE1517H, MIE1620H, MIE1621H, MIE1622H, MIE1623H, MIE1628H, MIE1653H, MIE1721H, MIE1723H, MIE1727H,
MSE1063H (exclusion: MSE1065H).