About Chemical Engineering

Welcome to Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Our department is one of the largest of its kind in Canada, providing a broad range of educational and research opportunities.

A chemical engineering degree from the University of Waterloo provides an excellent starting point to launch a variety of rewarding careers. Chemical engineers are at the forefront of technology, and their role in modern society is becoming increasingly important.

Chemical engineers design, implement and supervise industrial processes where matter undergoes change, including in the pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, food or plastics industries, among others. We also play a major role in the emerging field of nanotechnology, with applications in the development of new materials and devices.

We develop new processes to prevent pollutants from being released into our environment or to remove them after they are already there. We decrease energy use by increasing the efficiency in fossil fuel refining plants or by experimenting with new forms of energy generation and storage. Increasingly chemical engineers are also involved in the control, manipulation and production of biological systems, which have many important applications in the area of health care and food production. 

The professors in Waterloo's Department of Chemical Engineering are leaders in their fields. They will expose you to the latest developments and help you obtain a solid basis in the engineering fundamentals.

The undergraduate program benefits from the co-operative education model, offering the best mix of classroom learning and practical experience. For additional information on co-op education, visit the Faculty of Engineering’s Experience Co-op and the Co-operative and Experiential Education office's  Co-operative Education webpages.