Civil Engineering

The University of Waterloo’s Civil Engineering program is devoted to shaping the infrastructure that modern society relies on, from roads and bridges to water treatment facilities and environmental systems. Known for its rigor and relevance, the program empowers students to tailor their studies through a wide range of technical electives in structural, transportation, geotechnical, and water resources engineering. Its graduates contribute to decisions that influence a significant share of Canada’s national investment in public infrastructure.

Waterloo further enhances the student experience by offering options and specializations that allow learners to deepen or broaden their expertise. Options such as Management Science, Physical Sciences, and Entrepreneurship give students the chance to build complementary skills, while formal specializations—ranging from Building Science and Geotechnical to Structural, Transportation, and Water Resources—provide focused academic pathways recognized directly on their diplomas.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
• Advanced Functions 4U, Calculus and Vectors 4U, Chemistry 4U, English 4U (ENG4U), and Physics 4U.

What You’ll Learn

• Apply engineering principles to design and analyze infrastructure such as roads, bridges, foundations, and water systems.
• Use modern modeling and testing tools to evaluate structural performance, soil behavior, and environmental impacts.
• Develop practical problem-solving skills through hands-on labs, fieldwork, and Waterloo’s co-op work experiences.
• Customize technical expertise in areas like structural, geotechnical, transportation, or water resources engineering.