Civil engineers design and maintain the massive infrastructure which today's society depends upon: roads, buildings, bridges, dams, tunnels, levees, sewer systems, and water treatment plants.
Guiding the future of our infrastructure, Civil Engineers currently direct the spending of more than one tenth of Canada's gross national product, more than any other professional group. The Civil engineering program at Waterloo is both challenging and fulfilling, with a great deal of flexibility: students get to customize their degree with a large number of technical electives in structural, transportation, geotechnical, and water/environmental engineering.
News
CEE Researcher Receives Prestigious Water Industry Award
A Waterloo Engineering researcher has been recognized with one of the water industry's highest honours for her contributions to municipal water research and the advancement of the water profession.
Dr. Monica Emelko, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has received the Norman J. Howard Award from the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA), one of the association's highest honours. The award recognizes proficiency and leadership in key areas of municipal water supply and celebrates those who have made significant contributions to ensuring safe, reliable and sustainable water systems.
CEE professor awarded Distinguished Teacher Award
A professor in the Faculty of Engineering has been recognized for more than a decade of hands-on, inclusive teaching that has reshaped how students in civil and environmental engineering experience foundational concepts.
Dr. Rania Al-Hammoud, Professor, Teaching Stream, and Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies, in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has received the 2026 Distinguished Teacher Award — the University of Waterloo’s highest honour for teaching excellence, awarded to those with a sustained record of excellence spanning at least five years.
University of Waterloo ITE Chapter Secures Three-Peat as Outstanding Student Chapter
The University of Waterloo’s ITE student chapter has won the 2026 Outstanding Student Chapter Award, marking its third straight win after a strong post-pandemic comeback.
Led largely by undergraduates and with a more diverse membership, the chapter has grown through community-building, creative events, and strong industry connections. It’s now recognized as a leading student organization in transportation.