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The gender imbalance in the STEM workforce remains stark. The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 reported that women only make up 28.2% of the STEM workforce. Against this backdrop, Concordia University’s Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science in Montréal became the first Canadian university to name its engineering school after a woman, Gina Cody. She was the first woman to graduate with a PhD in building engineering from Concordia — a historic moment in inspiring future generations of women in STEM.
Renowned for its innovative teaching and commitment to equity and diversity, the Gina Cody School lives up to its name. It excels globally and nationally. Its Software Engineering programme is ranked #1 in Canada, while Electrical Engineering is ranked #5 and Computer Engineering ranks #4 in the area of Telecommunications. Its Building Engineering programme, established in 1982, was the first accredited programme of its kind in Canada, while Civil Engineering holds the #5 national ranking.
Gina Cody School students can conduct research and join research labs under world-renowned experts. Source: Concordia University
There are 12 undergraduate and 51 graduate programmes on offer here, all of which prepare and inspire a new generation of engineers and computer scientists. “We regularly update our programmes to ensure we’re on top of engineering and computer science advancements,” says Emad Shihab, Associate Dean of Research and Innovation.
A standout feature of these programmes is how experiential they are. “You will work on team projects and complete capstone projects with external stakeholders,” says Associate Dean Shihab. “Our Research and Innovation Partnership advisors connect you with companies such as Hydro Quebec, Huawei, Medtronic, Siemens, SpaceX, and Bombardier where you will join industry-relevant research.”
Many students enrol in co-op programmes and take part in prestigious and unique internships. These opportunities are what drew Aerospace Engineering student Mathu Satkunapala and Computer Engineering PhD student Nicholas Kawwas to the school.
“Most of my undergraduate courses mirrored industry learning,” says Satkunapala. “Specialised courses like aircraft engine design were taught by experts from Pratt & Whitney, and I could grow my knowledge in space-related projects through my capstone project with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).”
It was the same for Kawwas. “I was able to take advanced courses in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning, deepening my knowledge and passion,” he says. “My capstone project focused on translating sign language videos into text using AI. I used tools like PyTorch and Optuna to develop and optimize my deep learning model. I also came up with creative solutions to overcome limited data challenges. This project along with those courses were critical to my academic and professional goals, having guided my decision to pursue research in AI, a path that truly excites me and with so much potential.”
The Gina Cody School Makerspace further enriches the learning experience. You can learn to use advanced tools and machinery to bring your visions to life. Other key facilities include the Centre for Zero Energy Building Studies, Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute, Concordia Institute of Aerospace Design and Innovation (CIADI), and Security Research Centre (SRC).
Such hands-on learning prepares students well for their future careers. Satkunapala secured an internship at Bombardier as a system engineer, whereas Kawwas completed four internships in Silicon Valley, in automation, DevOps, network engineering, and full-stack development.
Beyond experiential learning, you can access resources that support professional and personal growth. Programmes like GradProSkills, Student Success Centre, NSERC CREATE SE4AI and Women in Engineering – Career Launch Experience were designed to enhance student readiness for the workforce.
Students are attracted to Montréal for its liveliness, creative vibes, and welcoming community. Source: Concordia University
Located in Montréal, the Gina Cody School boasts a culturally diverse community that thrives in AI, aerospace, energy, and sustainability research. You not only obtain academic success but can connect with like-minded peers. “It’s not always easy to find people with the same mindset, goals, and achievements,” says Satkunapala. “But being able to find others with similar qualities here made those tough times more enjoyable.”
Students keep busy outside of classes too. “We have very active and successful student associations, including Space Concordia and HackConcordia,” says Associate Dean Shihab.
Kawwas has taken on leadership roles in the Software Engineering and Computer Science Club and the Garnet Key Society. “They’ve taught me how to take initiative, work as a team, and collaborate — skills I now use in my medical imaging research,” he says.
Satkunapala has been VP of the Conference for the Women in Engineering (WIE) student society for two years, planning conferences for high school and college students to encourage their interest in STEM. “I love showing them the possibilities a career in engineering holds,” she says.
With such emphasis on community and real-world experiences, the Gina Cody School has propelled many graduates to successful careers. Many have gone on to work in companies like Google, Microsoft, Tesla, Bombardier, and Medtronic.
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