Further Customize your Degree
In addition to options, it is possible to earn Specializations, Diplomas, Certificates and Minors. The official rules related to these alternatives are provided in the undergraduate studies academic calendar. If you are a Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) student, you are permitted to enrol in a Minor but normally not Options or Specializations.
Specializations
A specialization is intended to formally recognize a focused selection of elective courses within your degree. Specialization offerings are unique to your engineering program and are formally noted on your diploma. Required and recommended courses for various specializations can be found on the specific undergraduate calendar page for your program. Currently, not all engineering programs offer specializations. Some examples of specializations include:
- A Medical Devices Specialization within Biomedical Engineering
- A Materials and Manufacturing Processes Specialization within Chemical Engineering
- A Quantum Engineering Specialization within Computer Engineering
- An Artificial Intelligence Specialization within Software Engineering
To add a specialization, complete a Plan Modification form and send to your academic advisor.
Diplomas
A diploma is a defined set of academic courses that allows you to acquire skills or knowledge in a specific area. Available diplomas include:
- Diploma in Applied Language Studies
- Diploma in Ecological Restoration and Rehabilitation
- Diploma in Future Cities
- Diploma in Sustainability
If you would like more information and the full list of available diplomas please visit the undergraduate calendar.
Certificates
A certificate program is a defined set of requirements (which may include any combination of non-academic experiential components and academic courses), that allows you to acquire skills or experience in a specific area. Available certificates include:
If you would like more information about certificates visit the undergraduate calendar.
Minors and Concurrent Degrees
Minors are similar to options. Engineering does not offer minors to students enrolled in engineering; however they are offered by the other faculties and are described in their sections of the undergraduate studies academic calendar. In the case of the Faculty of Arts there is a very wide range of minors available.
Minors are noted on your diploma and normally requires a minimum of 10 courses. If you are interested in a minor, visit the undergraduate calendar or contact your academic advisor for more information.
It is also possible for Engineering students to complete the requirements for a concurrent Bachelor of Arts degree. This process will require a significant number of extra courses, and agreement from both Faculties. If you are interested, please contact your academic advisor.
Accelerated Master's program
The Accelerated Master's program allows undergraduate students at Waterloo to fast track a Master of Applied Science (MASc) degree at the University of Waterloo.
You will get to take up to two graduate level courses during your final year of undergraduate studies: one course in 4A and one in 4B or during your work term. These courses are coded EXTRA to your degree. You will also have the opportunity to undertake research during your final co-op term(s); such experience can be a foundation for your MASc work.
The general principles and structure of this program are described in the Graduate Studies Calendar. The Accelerated Master's program is offered by all the engineering departments at Waterloo.