Environmental Engineering

Engineer the environment for a better future

A student in the Environmental Engineering program at the University of Waterloo.

As climate change and resource scarcity accelerate at an alarming rate, it’s critical that we design solutions that protect the planet we all call home.

As an Environmental Engineering student, you can help combat the critical environmental challenges facing our natural and built structures. You'll gain the skills to design smarter water treatment and distribution systems, clean contaminated soil, or even prevent E. coli outbreaks.

At Waterloo, you can nurture your passion for sustainability, mathematics, and science. Meanwhile, you’ll gain two years of paid experience through six co-op work terms, allowing you to earn money and to discover the career areas that fit you best.

You’ll graduate ready to clean up the world’s pollution — and lead and innovate smart environmental design in any sector.

Program highlights

  • Learn at one of the world's top universities. Waterloo is ranked #1 in Canada for environmental science and engineering (Academic World Ranking of Universities 2023).
  • Protect the planet. Waterloo’s strong background in water research can lead to careers in watershed restoration, water treatment, habitat protection, and air pollution mitigation.
  • A welcoming environment. Class sizes range from 60 to 70 students, so you’ll get to know your classmates – and your professors – in a friendly and stimulating setting.


Why Waterloo Engineering?

Environmental Engineering is an ideal program for students who want to gain the skills needed to design smarter water treatment and distribution, clean contaminated soil, or even prevent E. coli outbreaks


What will you learn? 

During your first year, you'll take a mix of foundational engineering, math, and communication courses. In upper years, most of your classes will be in Environmental Engineering.

Learn more about the courses you'll take for your Environmental Engineering degree.


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Environmental Engineering 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)
  • Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Chemistry (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

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

 

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application.