Program Overview

Environmental Engineering Degree

The Environmental Engineering degree at the University of Waterloo is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. This program combines the technical rigor of an engineering degree with scientific know-how and environmental insights, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between human activities and the natural environment.

Program Overview

The Environmental Engineering program is a five-year co-op program that includes six work terms, providing students with two years of paid work experience. The program is designed to give students a strong foundation in math, physics, biology, and chemistry, as well as hands-on experience with the latest technologies and engineering practices.

First-Year Courses

In the first year, students will take courses in math, chemistry, physics, and environmental engineering fundamentals, including:

• ENVE 175 – Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
• ENVE 100 – Environmental and Geological Engineering Concepts
• CIVE 104 – Mechanics 1
• ENVE 115 – Linear Algebra
• MATH 116 – Calculus 1 for Engineering
• ENGL 191/COMMST 191 – Communication in the Engineering Profession

Upper-Year Courses

In the upper years, students will explore topics such as drinking water treatment, air pollution control, waste management, environmental microbiology, and sustainable design, with hands-on labs and real-world engineering projects. Some sample upper-year courses include:

• ENVE 277 – Air Quality Engineering
• ENVE 382 – Hydrology and Open Channel Flow
• ENVE 330 – Lab Analysis and Field Sampling Techniques
• ENVE 573 – Contaminant Transport

Specializations

Students can customize their degree by exploring specializations within the program, including:

• Energy & Climate Change – Gain expertise in climate change, atmospheric processes, energy systems, sustainable buildings and communities, and the environmental and social impacts of energy solutions.
• Water Resources – Explore the physical science of water, its role in human and natural environments, water quantity analysis, GIS and remote sensing, and conflict resolution for scarce resources.
• Pollution & Restoration – Focus on chemical and biological processes for air and water management, treatment strategies, and nature-based solutions for ecosystem resilience.
• Modelling & Data Analytics – Build skills in coding, big data, optimization, machine learning, and image processing for environmental applications.
• Sustainable Cities – Study urban infrastructure, transportation, and civil engineering systems, with cross-disciplinary training in urban planning, landscape design, and decision-making for sustainable cities.

Co-op Program

The co-op program provides students with the opportunity to gain relevant paid work experience, explore potential careers, and learn to interview for jobs. Students will normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating their classroom learning with real-world experience.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Environmental Engineering program can pursue careers in consulting, operations, and more, working in government, for cities, and for environmental consulting firms. Some recent graduates have gone on to work as:

• Environmental Consultant
• Water Resources Specialist
• Environmental Specialist
• Project Coordinator
• Geomatics Analyst
• Operations Specialist

Admission Requirements

Ontario students must have six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including:

• Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
• Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
• Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
• Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
• English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)

Admission averages are typically in the mid- to high 80s. There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission.

Student Life

The University of Waterloo has a vibrant community that works hard and plays even harder. Students can get involved in a variety of activities, including:

• Student design teams
• Engineering Society (EngSoc)
• Women in Engineering (WiE)
• Campus-wide activities

Overall, the Environmental Engineering program at the University of Waterloo provides students with a comprehensive education and hands-on experience, preparing them for a career in environmental engineering and a future in energy sustainability analysis, pollution control and restoration, water resource engineering, air quality modelling, and more.