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 eight 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.
Program Compatibilty Quiz
If you're unsure where to start or what program your interests align with, we've built a program compatibility tool for you to use! Click here to take the quiz, review the programs, and research your options.
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.
See highlights from the 2022 Chemical Engineering Capstone Design Symposium in the video above.