Design and build vital structures
Population growth, climate change, and aging infrastructure are some of the big challenges that today’s civil engineers tackle in the quest for smart cities and a sustainable future. As a civil engineer, you’ll lead the creation, maintenance, and management of the large-scale infrastructure we all depend upon.
During your six paid co-op work terms, you can test drive different career options. Work for major construction and engineering companies, get experience with local or provincial governments, or spend a term abroad.
This is a degree with lots of flexibility. You’ll have access to a wide range of electives, allowing you to customize your education to suit your interests and career goals.
By the end of your degree, you’ll be ready to design, analyze, construct, and manage everything from airports and skyscrapers to bridges, transportation networks, municipal water systems, and more.
Population growth, climate change, and aging infrastructure are some of the big challenges that today's civil engineers tackle in the quest for smarter cities and a sustainable future. As a civil engineer, you'll lead the creation, maintenance, and management of the large-scale infrastructure we all depend upon.
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Develop solutions for a better tomorrow. At Waterloo, you'll have access to high-tech simulation labs where you’ll learn how to test risks before any shovels hit the ground.
Your urban playground. Learn to design and build structures that stand the test of time, including roads, landscaping structures, pavement, and bridges.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Field technician
- Quality control technician
- Diagnostics civil engineering
- Transportation planner
- Concrete lab technician
- Estimator / project manager
- Structural engineering student
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in first year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
Your first work term will be at the end of first year (May to August 2027).
Breaking ground in Civil Engineering: From analyzing construction claims in Calgary to fixing $30,000 errors on a Toronto job site, Civil Engineering student Sarra used co-op to build confidence, gain real-world experience, and shape her dream of making a global impact.
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Chemistry (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid- to high 80s
There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission. We'll email you detailed instructions once we receive your application. An online video interview is required for Faculty of Engineering scholarships and is strongly recommended for admission.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact the Faculty of Engineering which can answer any questions you have.