The University of Waterloo offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree program in Chemical Engineering. All students participate in the paid co-op work and study program, where you alternate between study and work terms. Students graduate with valuable job experience and a degree from Canada’s largest and best engineering school for undergraduate studies.
Our Department consistently ranks among the top two universities in Canada and the number one university in Ontario in Chemical Engineering according to the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities.
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.
"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
Wondering what chemical engineering is? Check out this video!
Wondering what chemical engineering is? Let's hear from our professors!
Computers and Chemical Engineering
Do you like working on computers? Do you enjoy computer programming? Are you interested in AI, machine learning, simulations or automation?
Did you know these techniques are used in chemical engineering to create sustainable processes?
For example, how do we make clothes, food, energy, and fuels that don’t harm the planet? Computational tools and AI are at the center of making that a reality.
In chemical engineering, you can learn how to use these tools for practical real-world applications to make an impact on the world and society.
In our department, one of our strengths is we have a group of researchers who specialize in using these tools that we call process systems engineering.
In your undergraduate degree, if you are interested in working with computers to solve complex problems you can specialize in Chemical Process Modelling, Optimization and Control Specialization
Taylor Roth shares her experience in our undergraduate program doing a computer-focused specialization in chemical engineering.
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?
Career sector distribution as of January 2024 based on alumni information.
Read about where our graduates work
Chemical Engineering graduates are engaged in a variety of exciting careers! Some have chosen to continue their work within the field of Chemical Engineering, while others have utilized their diverse skillset to explore jobs in other areas. A degree in Chemical Engineering can be applied in a multitude of sectors.
Regardless of their chosen path, these graduates have found fulfilling careers in which they can apply their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on our world. Please take a moment to read about some of our Chemical Engineering graduates.
Alumni Profiles
How to Apply
If you wish to apply for an undergraduate program in the Department of Chemical Engineering, please visit the Ontario Universities' Application Centre. Follow the link to learn more about the application process.
Interested in learning more about our program?
EngChats
Interested in speaking virtually with a current student? You will have a chance to talk to one of our current Engineering students about the Engineering program, co-op experiences, academics and what it's like to be a student at the University of Waterloo!
Tours and Events
Join us for online events to learn about our programs, our campus, and our community.Talk to our students, professors, and staff as you learn about becoming a Waterloo Warrior. Find more information on webinars, campus tours and info sessions.
How long does it take to complete the program?
It will typically take 4 2/3 years to complete the Chemical Engineering Program. This is the same as other engineering programs.
All engineering programs at Waterloo have a mandatory co-op component. This means that you will be continually alternating between work terms and academic terms from first year to fourth year, resulting in 6 work terms and 8 academic terms.
Join us for a tour of the Chemical Engineering undergraduate labs in the Douglas Wright Engineering Building at the University of Waterloo. You'll be able to view our state-of-the-art labs and equipment. Learn how chemical engineers work to advance all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Learn more about chemical engineering (ChE), the UWaterloo ChE department and our undergraduate program from Assistant Professor Valerie Ward in the video above.
Students take the theory learned in the classroom and practical things experience gained through coop employment [work terms], and put it together to develop an idea that's that's own. Check out the video of a Capstone team describing their award winning Capstone Design Project.