Top 10 Universities for Master's & Doctoral Programs in Electrical Engineering in Canada

Canada has emerged as one of the top destinations in the world for STEM courses. From the standard of education to quality of living, the country provides a complete package for international students aspiring to pursue their higher studies. Electrical Engineering is a popular field of study among the STEM courses, given the predicted employment growth rate of 7 per cent by 2030. There are over 65 universities that offer degree programs in Electrical Engineering in Canada. It is an interdisciplinary field, often combined with other branches of study like Computer Science or Electronics.

Top 10 Universities for Master's & Doctoral Programs in Electrical Engineering in Canada
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Apr 15, 2023 03:11 AM
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International students choose to study Electrical Engineering in Canada for several reasons. Canadian universities offer well-structured industry-oriented courses as well as research-intensive academic programs. Students can choose either technical courses or doctoral programs and pursue a career in industry, research or academia. Electrical Engineering is a multi-disciplinary branch involving the study of technology, design and development of systems, equipment and devices that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. The study also covers different subdivisions, i.e., systems engineering, computer science, power engineering, radio-frequency engineering, telecommunications, signal processing, photovoltaic cells, electronics, microelectronics, instrumentation, optics, and photonics.Let us review the top 10 universities that offer graduate and doctoral programs in Electrical Engineering in Canada.

Top 10 Universities for Degree Programs in Electrical Engineering in Canada

1. University of Toronto

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The University of Toronto (UToronto) is regarded as the first institution of higher learning in Canada. UToronto was founded by the royal charter in 1827 as the King's College. It is an eminent public research university located on the grounds surrounding Queen's Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The university encompasses eleven colleges operating on two suburban campuses of Scarborough and Mississauga, offering more than 200 graduate and 700 undergraduate programs. UToronto's alumni include accomplished scholars, political leaders, award winners and other eminent personalities from science, arts, sports, media and politics.The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Toronto offers degree programs leading to Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering provides advanced practical training in core areas for students who wish to pursue a career in industry. The prerequisite for MEng includes a 4-year Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field. MASc in ECE is a full-time thesis-based program with the same prerequisite as MEng. The PhD program is exclusively for promising students aspiring to pursue applied research.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 1-2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall & Winter

2. University of British Columbia

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The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the oldest academic institutes in Canada. Founded in 1908, the UBC has gained worldwide recognition as a renowned public research university and a global centre of higher learning. UBC campuses are located near Vancouver and in Kelowna, British Columbia. The University of British Columbia is ranked consistently among the top 20 public universities globally and top 3 universities in Canada. It dedicates an astounding budget of $600 million annually for research and funds more than 8,000 projects a year. The alumni of UBC include 8 Nobel laureates, 71 Rhodes scholars, several ministers, 65 Olympians and hundreds of distinguished scholars.The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) under the Faculty of Applied Science at the UBC offers the following programs: Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. MEng is a technical program suitable for students who wish to pursue a career in the industry. The duration to complete the MEng course is 12-16 months. MASc is appropriate for students aspiring to pursue advanced research work, to be completed in 24 months. The PhD program is for students who have the aptitude for conducting independent research, and the time duration to earn a PhD is 3 to 4 years.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 1-2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall & Winter

3. University of Waterloo

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The QS World Rankings places the University of Waterloo among the top 200 universities globally and top 10 in Canada. The University of Waterloo, also known as Waterloo or UWaterloo, is an eminent public research university founded in 1956 in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The main campus of the University of Waterloo sprawls across 998 acres of land adjoining Waterloo Park. The university encompasses three other satellite campuses and four affiliated colleges. More than 6,200 postgraduate and 36,000 undergraduate students are enrolled in various academic programs offered by six faculties and 13 schools. The alumni of Waterloo comprise acclaimed public personalities, government officials, prestigious awardees and several business leaders.The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo offers Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering. MEng is a technical program that is ideal for students who wish to pursue a professional career in engineering and takes 1 to 2 years for completion based on full-time or part-time status. MASc is suitable for students seeking advanced knowledge and research studies. The PhD program is for exceptional students aspiring to engage in intensive applied research and follow a career in public sectors, academia or corporate research organisations.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 1-2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall, Winter and Spring

4. McGill University

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The University of McGill, also known as McGill College, was established in 1821 and officially named McGill University in 1885. McGill University is a renowned public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The university awards degrees and diplomas in more than 300 fields of study. The main faculties of McGill include Arts, Education, Management, Medicine, Science and Engineering. McGill has produced several hundred accomplished alumni, including 12 Nobel laureates, 147 Rhodes Scholars, Academy, Grammy & Emmy Award winners, top government officials, political leaders, Pulitzer Prize winners, Olympic medallists and billionaires.The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of McGill offers degree programs leading to Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The MEng is a non-thesis program that aims at providing professional development for students pursuing a career in the industry. Full-time students can complete the MEng program in 18 months, with a maximum time limit of 3 years. MSc is a full-time thesis-based course to be completed in 18 months to 3 years. The PhD in ECE is a full-time research-intensive degree that takes 3 to 4 years to complete.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 18 months to 3 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall, Winter & Summer

5. University of Alberta

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The University of Alberta ranks among the top 5 universities in Canada and top 150 globally. Founded in 1908, the University of Alberta (U of A or UAlberta) is a distinguished public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. UAlberta has five campuses - four in Edmonton, one Augustana Campus in Camrose, and a staff centre in Calgary. More than 41,000 students are enrolled in 500 plus programs, 250 specialisations and 300 research areas. UAlberta has earned global recognition for excellence in Humanities, Creative Arts, Science, Business, Engineering and Health Sciences.The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta offers graduate degree programs leading to a Master of Engineering MEng), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. MEng is a course-based program ideal for students who wish to follow a professional industrial career. The minimum duration to complete the MEng program is nine months and the maximum time limit is four years. MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering is a research-intensive program suitable for students focusing on advanced knowledge. The PhD degree focuses on research and high-quality thesis, generally pursued by students enrolled in the MSc program. The typical duration to complete the PhD is two years after a master's degree.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 9 months to 4 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall & Winter

6. Concordia University

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Established in 1974, Concordia University (Concordia) is a reputed public research university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Concordia is one of the three universities in Quebec where the primary language of instruction is English. The university is located in the multicultural and vibrant city of Montreal. It has two campuses, the main campus in Downtown Montreal and the Loyola Campus in the residential district of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. Over 50,000 students are enrolled in 200 graduate and 400 undergraduate programs offered by Concordia. The university has 230,000 alumni, including top professionals and distinguished personalities across the globe.The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Concordia offers Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Applied Science (MASc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs in Electrical and Computer Engineering. MEng is a course-based program that provides advanced knowledge in technology concepts for practising engineers; the course aims at developing problem-solving and analytical skills. MASc is a thesis-oriented program that focuses on research techniques applied in the field of electrical and computer engineering. PhD is the highest-level degree that provides expertise in a chosen subject through critical research work.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall, Winter & Summer

7. McMaster University

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McMaster University is deemed Canada's most research-intensive public university for the fourth consecutive year. Also popularly known as McMaster, this university was established in 1887 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. McMaster is ranked 14th globally according to The Times Higher Education 2021 Impact Rankings for its commitment to teaching, research and community engagement. McMaster's campus sprawls across 121 hectares, including six academic faculties, the DeGroote School of Business, Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, Health Sciences and Humanities. The alumni of McMaster include top government officials, business leaders, academicians, Rhodes Scholars, Nobel laureates and other distinguished scholars.The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) under the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University offers graduate degree programs leading to a Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The MEng program seeks to enhance advanced knowledge and key skills in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering. It is suitable for students aspiring to pursue a professional career in the corporate sector. Typically, MEng can be completed in 1 to 2 years. The MASc degree program is intended for students who wish to foster creativity and research abilities in a particular area of ECE. The duration to complete the MASc degree is two years. The PhD program is ideal for students aspiring to pursue intensive research in specialised fields and follow a career path in academia and research. The time duration to complete a PhD is four years.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 1-2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall (September)

8. Queen's University at Kingston

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According to Times Higher Education Impact Rankings of 2021, the Queen's University at Kingston is ranked 43 in the world. Also called in short as Queen's University, it is a prestigious public research university founded in 1841 by the Church of Scotland in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The university's campus is spread across 3,500 acres of land in Ontario, comprising eight faculties and schools. Over 24,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in different faculties, i.e., Physics, Geo-Engineering, Cancer Research, Data Analytics and Social Sciences. The university's alumni include a global network of 159,000 accomplished scholars living across 153 countries.The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Queen's University offers degrees of Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering. MEng includes coursework and thesis and takes two academic terms and a project to complete the program. The MASc program requires coursework and a research thesis and takes two years to complete. The PhD program requirements include coursework, research thesis and an examination, and it usually takes four years to complete the doctoral degree.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall & Winter

9. University of Calgary

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The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is a renowned research university established in 1966 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The university has earned a superior reputation for actively engaging its students in leadership development in areas of Arts, Science, Athletics, Medicine, Engineering, Business and Volunteerism. The main campus of UCalgary is a beautiful setting covering over 200 hectares with a backdrop view of the Rocky Mountains. More than 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled in 250 plus programs offered by 14 faculties. The university has produced over 170,000 alumni across 152 countries.The Department of Electrical and Software Engineering (ESE) at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, offers degrees leading to Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Software Engineering. The MEng is a pure course-based program apt for students looking for up-to-date knowledge in this field. Full-time students can take up to two years to complete the MEng course, while part-time students get up to six years time limit. MSc is a research-based program requiring students to take up coursework and defend a thesis. PhD is a research-intensive program that typically takes three years to complete following a master's and four years after a bachelor's degree.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Software Engineering
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Electrical and Software Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Software Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall & Winter

10. University of Ottawa

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Founded in 1848, the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is the world's biggest bilingual (English-French) public research university located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The University encompasses ten faculties that offer 550 undergraduate and graduate programs in over 100 disciplines. Around 42,000 students are enrolled in different programs offered by the faculties of Science, Engineering, Arts, Social Sciences, Education, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine and Management. The alumni of uOttawa include more than 250,000 successful scholars residing worldwide.The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering under the Faculty of Engineering at uOttawa offers graduate programs leading to Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Applied Science (MASc), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. MEng program is course-based and includes coursework and a project, with a time limit of two years to complete the program. MASc is thesis-oriented and generally takes two years for completion. The PhD is a research-intensive degree suitable for students who intend to pursue serious research work.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Master of Applied Science (MASc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall, Winter & Summer

Conclusion

Electrical Engineering is regarded as the best engineering program that shapes the future through innovation and technological development. Electrical engineers design, develop and manufacture systems and equipment that serve the day-to-day needs of society. Canada is a great place to pursue graduate studies in Electrical Engineering. Top universities in Canada offer industry-oriented professional programs and also research-intensive academic courses. Graduating students can pursue a career in corporate, public or research sectors. This article provides comprehensive details of the top 10 universities that offer master's and doctoral programs in Electrical Engineering in Canada. We hope this information helps you short-list universities and suitable programs of your choice.