Program Overview

Architectural Engineering Degree

The Architectural Engineering program is an accredited engineering program that focuses on the technical aspects of building performance and design. Students in this program will learn how to forge impressive design, collaboration, and communication skills with strong analytical capabilities and technical applications needed for building design and operation.

Program Overview

• The program is a studio-based program that introduces design concepts from day one.
• Students will take a "studio" course every term, which will involve projects, model building, and synthesis of knowledge from other courses.
• The program covers content on mechanics, structural analysis and structural design, as well as heavy math content in the first two years.
• Students will have a better understanding of the science and engineering behind good building design — not just the structural aspects, but also energy efficiency, sustainable building design, and smart/green building design.

Courses

First-Year Courses

• September to December:
  • AE 100 – Concepts Studio
  • AE 101 – History of the Built Environment
  • AE 104 – Mechanics 1
  • AE 115 – Linear Algebra
  • CHE 102 – Chemistry for Engineers
  • MATH 116 – Calculus 1 for Engineering
• January to April: First four-month paid co-op work term
• May to August:
  • AE 105 – Mechanics 2
  • AE 121 – Computational Methods
  • AE 125 – Structural Design Studio
  • AE 123 – Electrical Circuits and Instrumentation
  • AE 199 – Seminar
  • MATH 118 – Calculus 2 for Engineering

Upper-Year Courses

• AE 200 – Enclosure Design Studio
• AE 265 – Structure and Properties of Materials
• AE 377 – Structural Timber Design
• CIVE 507 – Building Science and Technology

Specializations

• Building Structures: Dive into the science behind safe and sustainable buildings by exploring how structural elements like beams, columns, and materials come together to support complex designs.
• Building Systems: Learn how to design the mechanical, electrical, and environmental systems that make buildings comfortable, energy-efficient, and functional.

Co-op Program

• The program is available as a co-op program only.
• Students will alternate between school and work every four months, integrating their classroom learning with real-world experience.
• Sample co-op job titles:
  • Architectural Engineering/BIM Consultant
  • Building Envelope/Structural Technician
  • Building Science Restoration Project Coordinator
  • Design and Energy Performance Specialist
  • Energy Sustainability Engineering Assistant
  • Jr. Conservation Management Coordinator
  • Microclimate Coordinator
  • Residential Engineering Designer

Career Opportunities

• Building systems engineer
• Structural engineer
• Construction project manager
• Facade engineer
• Sustainability consultant
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) specialist
• Building inspector
• Urban planner
• Lighting engineer
• Acoustical engineer

Admissions Requirements

• Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Physics, and English (ENG4U)
• Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid- to high 80s
• Supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, are required for admission.

Faculty and Degree

• Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
• Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Architectural Engineering

Student Life

• Waterloo Engineering goes far beyond lectures, with a vibrant community that works hard and plays even harder.
• Students can participate in student design teams, Engineering Society (EngSoc), Women in Engineering, and campus-wide activities.
• The program has a 96% employment rate within 6 months of graduating, a 90% graduation rate, and a 95% retention rate from first to second year.