software engineering is a co-op only program that emphasizes innovation and teamwork to develop practical, solution-driven thinking. during students' fourth-year project, they can form teams and leverage their work experience to create real applications; some students even start their own companies. they learn how to apply engineering principles—including rapid prototyping, requirements analysis, system modelling, design, implementation, testing and project management—to develop software. software engineers are key professionals in fields such as high tech, finance, telecommunications, government, health care, transportation and entertainment.