The department administers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree program.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is applying principles of math, physics, and chemistry to re-engineer products the world relies on. Chemical engineers create global solutions to a wide range of industrial, environmental, and societal problems in safe, sustainable, and energy-efficient ways. Whether you’re creating the next generation of life-saving pharmaceuticals, cybernetic systems, or alternative energy, as a chemical engineer you’ll be contributing to the betterment of society.
Waterloo's chemical engineering program lets you explore emerging areas like biotechnology, advanced materials, novel recycling techniques, biomedical applications, zero-emissions technologies, and more. With experience gained through co-op work placements, you'll see the practical side of theories discussed in classes. And, through undergraduate student exchange programs, you have the opportunity to learn about new cultures and gain valuable experience internationally.
Interested in studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo?
- Our curriculum is highly relevant to industry, with flexibility so you can specialize in areas of interest.
- Smallest class sizes of all the engineering programs, you will experience individualized support from your instructors and a tight-knit community.
- A large faculty complement including nine Research Chairs, with a wide variety of expertise ranging from biotechnology, nanotechnology, polymers and materials science, to environmental and energy topics like global climate change and fuel cells. See our research areas for an overview.
- Access to Chemical Engineering experts for career suggestions, research experience or guidance during senior-level design projects.
- Paid co-op work experience in a wide variety of Chemical Engineering-related jobs.
- Our IP policy: Students own what they invent at the University of Waterloo. This makes University of Waterloo an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Here support is available to commercialize innovations and nurture new start-ups. Learn more.
Wondering what chemical engineering is?
Check out this video!
First-year students are immersed in two
engaging hands-on Studio Design Courses.
Check them out in this video!
"Chemical engineering has allowed me to explore various industries, as we learn about process optimization, advanced calculus, and thermodynamics. Through the program, I discovered my interest in consulting, as consultants solve real-world problems that businesses face. Chemical engineering has taught me how to go through an end-to-end process and identify risks and possible mitigations. The program also has allowed me to make a close group of friends as we have all our classes together, through the cohort system you get to know your peers well and form connections that last past university."
Ayyappan Arunachalam
BASc student Chemical Engineering, Class of 2027
Chemical Engineering is the discipline that manipulates matter at the molecular level. Therefore, Chemical Engineers have expertise in creating new and advanced materials. Chemical Engineering is involved in almost every product society relies upon. As a Chemical Engineer, you could build the batteries of the future, design smart materials for robotics, tackle climate change and enable a circular economy.
Whether you're creating the next generation of lifesaving pharmaceuticals, novel biomedical devices, cybernetic systems, or alternative energy, you'll be part of the solution as a Chemical Engineer.
What sectors do our students work in after graduation?
