Welcome to Geological Engineering at the University of Waterloo

Our Geological Engineering program merges geoscience with innovative design to guide humanity’s interaction with Earth materials and Earth system processes.

You’ll engineer smart and sustainable solutions for natural hazards, infrastructure design, CO2 geosequestration, geothermal energy, and natural resource development, including precious metals and minerals that are essential to electric vehicles and clean energies, all while incorporating the latest innovations in laboratory testing, numerical simulation, field characterization and monitoring, sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery.

News

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. 

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.

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.