Program Overview

Overview of the Civil Engineering Program

The Civil Engineering program at the University of Waterloo is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the complex challenges of designing, building, and maintaining large-scale infrastructure. This program is offered as a co-op program, providing students with the opportunity to gain relevant paid work experience.

Program Details

Degree and Faculty

• The degree offered is a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering.
• The program is part of the Faculty of Engineering.

Co-op Program

• The co-op program allows students to alternate between school and work every four months, starting in the first year.
• Students can gain up to two years of valuable work experience and make money during their studies.
• Sample co-op job titles include Field Technician, Quality Control Technician, Diagnostics Civil Engineering, and Transportation Planner.

Course Structure

• First-year courses include a mix of math, physics, chemistry, and introductory engineering courses.
• Specific first-year courses are:
  • CHE 102 – Chemistry for Engineers
  • CIVE 100 – Civil Engineering Concepts
  • CIVE 104 – Mechanics 1
  • CIVE 115 – Linear Algebra
  • MATH 116 – Calculus 1 for Engineering
  • ENGL 191/COMMST 191 – Communication in the Engineering Profession
• Upper-year courses cover topics such as structural analysis and design, soil mechanics, water supply and treatment, transportation engineering, and project management.
• Sample upper-year courses include:
  • CIVE 241 – Transport Principles and Applications
  • CIVE 310 – Introduction to Structural Design
  • CIVE 332 – Civil Systems and Project Management
  • CIVE 491 – Engineering Law and Ethics

Specializations

• Students can explore specializations within the program to enhance their degree, including:
  • Building Science
  • Geotechnical
  • Structural
  • Transportation
  • Water Resources

Admission Requirements

Ontario Students

• Admission requires six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including:
  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% required)
  • Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% required)
  • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% required)
  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% required)
• Admission averages are typically in the mid- to high 80s.

Non-Ontario Students

• Admission requirements vary; students should search for specific requirements based on their location.

Supplementary Information

• The Admission Information Form is required for admission.
• An online video interview is required for Faculty of Engineering scholarships and is strongly recommended for admission.

Career Opportunities

Graduates' Career Paths

• Graduates often pursue careers in planning, design, and construction of large-scale infrastructure.
• Recent graduates have found employment as Tunnel Engineers, Structural Engineers, Engineers, Structural Design Engineers, Field Engineers, and Project Managers.

Professional Designation

• Graduates can pursue the Professional Engineer designation.

Student Life

Engineering Society (EngSoc)

• EngSoc provides social and academic events and services for Waterloo Engineering students.

Women in Engineering

• Women in Engineering (WiE) supports women and non-binary engineering students and alumni.

Campus-Wide Activities

• The university offers over 200 student-run clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, and events.

Conclusion

The Civil Engineering program at the University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive education with a strong focus on practical experience through its co-op program. With a wide range of specializations and a vibrant student community, this program prepares students for successful careers in civil engineering and related fields.