Laurier prepares students for jobs of tomorrow with launch of Software Engineering in Milton

Oct. 30, 2025
For Immediate Release

New program marks first-ever engineering degree offered at Wilfrid Laurier University

Wilfrid Laurier University is launching a new Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering at its Milton campus in fall 2026, enhancing the university’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programming and meeting industry demand for talent in ethical AI, smart-city infrastructure, climate modelling and bioinformatics. The program marks the first time in the university’s 114-year history that it will deliver engineering programming to its students.

Laurier’s first engineering program is designed to ensure students are trained to meet complex and evolving industry needs. Embedded in the university’s department of Computer Science and Physics, the program features concentrations in Biology or Psychology/Cognitive Science, and optional co-op in year four to gain hands-on industry experience. The Software Engineering program is complemented by Laurier Milton’s existing STEM programs in Computer Science, Business Technology Management and Psychology programs.

“Through our Software Engineering program, Laurier will prepare our graduates to meet the growing demand for tech talent across sectors and ensure they have the skills to play a pivotal role in driving the future of innovation and economic growth in Halton Region and Ontario,” said Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier president and vice-chancellor. “Software Engineering will not only broaden our successful research and academic programming in STEM, but it will also create significant links to business and industry through research and co-op opportunities. This is an exciting milestone for Laurier as we expand our presence in Milton.”

The university received official approval for the program from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security in October 2025.

"I am so thrilled to see the launch of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering program right here in Milton,” said Zee Hamid, Milton MPP. “This program will strengthen our town’s role as a hub for innovation and education and will inspire local youth to pursue careers in STEM."

Laurier’s Software Engineering program will be purpose-driven, with a People and Planet specialization that focuses on solving real-world challenges.

“We are thrilled to offer Laurier’s Software Engineering program to students who are passionate about technology’s role in solving environmental, economic and societal issues,” said Trish McLaren, acting provost and vice-president: academic. “Our approach to software engineering builds on our excellence in STEM education and an interdisciplinary approach that will equip students with the skills to tackle urgent local and global challenges through ethical and socially responsible engineering.”

Laurier designed its Software Engineering program to meet Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) requirements, which the university aims to attain within five years, allowing students who graduate with a Laurier B.Eng. in Software Engineering to pursue their Professional Engineering (P.Eng.) designation.

Laurier also designed its program with students in mind, intentionally balancing program schedules and small class sizes to support students’ wellbeing and academic success while upholding the rigour of an engineering degree. Students will enjoy a personalized learning experience, strong faculty-student mentorship, and opportunities for engagement.

Applications for Laurier Software Engineering are open, with a deadline to apply by January 15, 2026. The inaugural engineering class will begin in Sept. 2026.

The launch of Software Engineering is a key next step in the evolution of Laurier’s Milton campus, which opened its doors Sept. 2024. Laurier Milton is central to both the Town of Milton’s vision to manage growth to the year 2051 and the university’s strategic vision to expand its academic excellence to Halton Region.

Visit the Software Engineering program page and Laurier Milton’s future student website to learn more.