Electrical Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Design cutting-edge electronic and communication systems with a focus on electromagnetics and physical electronics.

Length
4 years
Degree
Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op Available)
Program
Engineering
Options

Co-op, Management, Society

Overview

Electrical engineering explores how electricity and electronic systems power the modern world. Through hands-on labs and design projects, you’ll study circuits, control systems, communications, robotics, signal processing, and power systems used in industries such as transportation, healthcare, aerospace and telecommunications. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers driving innovation in smart technologies, sustainable energy and advanced connected systems. 

Why study this program?

  1. Gain extensive hands-on experience through industry-relevant labs and project courses, including building LiDAR sensors and developing autonomous vehicle systems using real-time data and advanced hardware 
  2. Work in unique, state-of-the-art facilities such as real-time power systems simulators and the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC), where you can model, test, and refine complex electrical and control systems in safe, industry-relevant environments
  3. Participate in nationally and internationally recognized student teams and competitions, including EcoCAR EV and the Battery Workforce Challenge – one of only a few Canadian universities involved – working with industry partners like General Motors and Stellantis on next-generation electric and autonomous vehicles 
A student leans forward to examine an electrical engineering project.

What you'll learn

Study an interdisciplinary field focused on generating, processing, and applying electrical energy and information systems that underpin modern technology.  

Focus your learning through key areas such as power generation and distribution, circuits and electronic systems, control systems, telecommunications, signal processing, robotics, and emerging applications in autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.

The Electrical Engineering program is offered by the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.

All students in McMaster’s undergraduate engineering programs participate in a common first year — Engineering 1. Build a solid base in the fundamentals of engineering disciplines and get exposed to engineering design work right at the start of your degree.

Learn more about Engineering 1

ELECENG 3CL4 – Introduction to Control Systems:

Learn how engineers design systems that automatically respond and stay stable, from cruise control in cars to robotic movement and industrial automation.

ELECENG 3PI4 – Energy Conversion:

Understand how electrical energy is generated, transformed, and used in systems like electric vehicles, renewable energy and industrial machines.

ELECENG 3TR4 – Communication Systems:

Discover how information is transmitted across the world through technologies like wireless networks, mobile phones and digital communication systems.

ELECENG 4PK4 – Power Electronics

Analyze, model and predict the performance of basic power converter configurations.

Get practical experience and grow your portfolio with interdisciplinary design courses. All students in a Bachelor of Engineering take four project-based design courses:

1. ENGINEER 1P13: Integrated Cornerstone Design Projects in Engineering

2. COMPENG 2DX3: Microprocessor Systems Project

3. ELECENG 3EY4: Electrical Systems Integration Project

4. Capstone project (year-long design project)

Someone gestures to parts under the hood of a car while two other people stand to the side.

Co-op and experiential learning

Go beyond the lecture hall with experiential learning. Our engineering co-op program provides you with the opportunity to work in real engineering positions before you graduate.

Electrical Engineering Co-op provides opportunities across power systems, energy, utilities, electronics, controls, communications and electrical infrastructure.

Sample co-op employers:

  • Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
  • Alectra Utilities
  • Hydro One
  • Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
  • Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
  • Toronto Hydro
Did you know: McMaster's Faculty of Engineering has the 3rd largest co-op program in Canada.
Learn more

Potential career paths

Graduates will be career-ready for high-demand areas such as process design, energy systems, materials and industrial operations:

  • Analog & Mixed Signal Design
  • Digital Design Engineering
  • FPGA Design Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Technical Engineer

Explore Electrical Engineering in grad school

You’ll already be connected to world-renowned researchers leading innovation in your undergrad: continue pursuing research and innovation in a master’s program.

Electrical & Computer Engineering programs

  • Award-winning student teams

    Join award-winning student teams tackling real-world engineering challenges and competing against top universities worldwide.

    McMaster's Battery Workforce Challenge team, made up of 60+ undergraduate students, won 1st place internationally in 2025 for designing a fast-charging electric vehicle battery pack.
    Learn about our award winning teams

  • Clubs and teams

    McMaster has many clubs, teams and societies you can join to practice your engineering skills, get more hands-on experiences and explore new activities.

    McMaster Engineering is one of only two Canadian teams in the EcoCAR EV Challenge, where students convert a Cadillac Lyriq into a rare-earth-free, autonomous-electric vehicle with support from industry partners like GM
    Learn more about Mac Eng Experiences

  • Canada's largest undergraduate research program

    Engage in hands-on research and complex problems with a mentor as early as your first year.

    Electrical engineering students designed a smartphone-based imaging device for diabetic retinopathy screening, integrating optics, an iOS app, and image processing to enable affordable retinal imaging access and support telemedicine access.
    Learn about undergrad research opportunities
Red and white flowers blooming on campus

Upper-year specializations

Specialized programs at McMaster can take your Engineering degree to the next level.

At the end of your first year in Engineering, you can apply to two other exciting options:

  • Engineering & Management
  • Engineering & Society
Here are further details to help you imagine your McMaster future.

Become a leader that solves complex challenges with your technical and business expertise in this five-year program.

Once you’ve completed first year requirements in good standing, you can apply to this program.

Learn more about Engineering & Management

Follow your passion in Engineering & Society. Combine your engineering education with a deeper understanding of human-centred design and problem-solving skills in this five-year program.

Once you’ve completed first year requirements in good standing, you can apply to this program.

Learn more about Engineering & Society

Financial aid & awards

Over $2.5 million in funding awarded annually

The Faculty of Engineering offers substantial financial support to students, including one of the largest faculty-based entrance scholarship programs in the country, with over $2.5 million awarded annually.

Learn more

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