Inside Northeastern University’s Evolving Engineering Programs in Toronto
In just the last five years, AI has evolved from specialized analytical tools to generative systems capable of creating human-like content. Major advances in large language models (LLMs) are reshaping how industries use AI. And algorithmic performance continues to increase at a staggering pace, with one study estimating an annual improvement of roughly 400 per cent.
For Dr. Omar Badreldin, that rapid pace is precisely what energizes his teaching. At Northeastern University in Toronto — where Dr. Badreldin is an associate teaching professor and associate director of the campus’s Information Systems program — it’s also what shapes the launch of new programs designed to keep pace with changing technology and emerging career paths.
“In technology, new tools, methods, and systems are emerging all the time,” says Dr. Badreldin. “That makes teaching challenging yet exciting, because you’re never teaching the same course twice. At Northeastern University, we embrace that by keeping our courses fresh and up to date, so students learn to adapt as the field evolves.”
The journey to teaching tech graduate programs in Canada
Dr. Badreldin’s perspective stems from experience across various institutions and research domains. After earning his PhD in 2012 from the University of Ottawa, he taught at the University of Texas and Northern Arizona University before joining Northeastern University’s Toronto campus. His research centres on applying machine learning and AI to predict the future development of software systems and on using these insights to inform current design decisions.
“Software underpins nearly every aspect of modern life, from roads and hospitals to government agencies, but platforms and operating systems are constantly evolving, and maintenance is a major cost,” Dr. Badreldin says. “Typically, software designers rely on intuition and experience when deciding how a system will be used and maintained over time. My work uses AI to provide insights into the potential implications of those decisions, helping designers make more informed, sustainable choices.”
With research funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation in the U.S. and over 100 peer-reviewed publications in top journals and conferences, Dr. Badreldin knows firsthand the value of applying theory to real-life problems. That perspective extends into the classroom, where he encourages students to see themselves as problem-solvers who can leverage the latest tools, including AI, thoughtfully and strategically.
“AI will be part of the workplace when students graduate,” he says. “Rather than banning it, I teach students to adopt it strategically, understand its limitations, and create solutions that go beyond what AI can generate on its own. The challenge today is to make a system more efficient and effective than an AI-designed baseline.”
Information Systems vs Data Architecture vs Software Engineering Degree
Now, with the launch of two new COE programs, students in Toronto have more opportunities to contribute to technological progress.
Northeastern University’s Toronto campus recently introduced a Master of Science in Data Architecture and Management and a Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems. These programs, along with the established Master of Science in Information Systems, offer three distinct engineering career paths.
Information Systems (MSIS): Blending business strategy, IT management, and engineering, the MSIS program enables students to tailor their studies. Industry-aligned focus areas include intelligent systems, AI, smart contracts, and user experience. Through close collaboration with experts, students develop a strong understanding of systems technology and how it drives success in organizational settings.
Northeastern’s Toronto campus also offers a Bridge format (MS in Information Systems – Bridge), which prepares non-technical students and those seeking to pivot or advance their tech careers. It includes core MSIS courses and additional bridge courses.
Software Engineering Systems (MSSWES): The program emphasizes core software design, engineering, quality assurance, and testing principles. With a focus on AI-driven innovation, students gain advanced expertise in system design and development. They build the skills to create intelligent, machine-learning-powered solutions by applying their knowledge to technologies such as cloud computing to solve complex, industry-scale challenges.
Data Architecture and Management (MSDAM): The MSDAM prepares students to design and manage the data systems that power modern organizations. Learners build expertise in data modelling, database design, governance, and big data engineering while exploring emerging areas such as knowledge graphs and AI-driven analytics.
“If you think of a hospital, it’s essentially an information-processing environment, and you can see all three of these paths clearly,” says Dr. Badreldin. “Doctors rely on data to make decisions —from storage and security to processing and analytics — which brings in data architecture and management. Hospitals also depend on software for nearly every function, from patient admission to record management, which is where software engineering comes in.
“Information systems takes a broader view. It looks at how all these technologies fit together, when to adopt new tools, how to integrate systems, and how to ensure they are usable and effective across the organization.”
A unified focus on applied learning in technology
While each program is distinct, Dr. Badreldin notes that they share a common foundation.
All three programs emphasize Northeastern University’s signature experiential learning model, which, for example, enables students to pursue co-op opportunities with leading companies such as RBC and CIBC or to engage in industry-partnered projects embedded in courses. In Toronto, the on-campus Embedded Partner Hub further strengthens these connections by giving industry partners a dedicated workspace, making collaboration and mentorship more accessible.
Each program also culminates in either a thesis or a project, giving students the chance to apply their learning in a meaningful, realistic context.
Students, Dr. Badreldin says, who are motivated, curious, and eager to understand how technology shapes the world around them will find opportunities across all three programs.
“If you’re unsure which program to take, come speak with the professors and advisors—whether on campus or virtually,” he says. “These graduate engineering programs in Toronto are designed to give students flexibility as they refine their interests, without losing credits through shared general electives.
“Once they’re in a program, students should also engage in student clubs, hackathons, competitions, and industry talks. Learning at Northeastern University doesn’t just happen in the classroom. There are many opportunities to advance.”
By: Izabela Shubair