Academic Programs

Students building something.


Gain a competitive edge with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning opportunities and industry partnerships designed to equip students with leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and practical experience in urban development.
 

Studying Highlights

Program Spotlights

Master of Future Cities

Who is this program for? 

This program is ideal for forward-thinking professionals and students eager to lead in urban transformation and shape sustainable, resilient cities.
 

What will you gain from this program? 

  • Critical Thinking: Develop a deep understanding of complex urban issues and devise innovative solutions. 

  • Policy Formulation: Craft impactful policies to drive meaningful change in cities. 

  • Design Thinking: Apply creative problem-solving techniques to address urban challenges. 

  • Policy Impact Assessment: Evaluate and measure the real-world effects of urban policies and initiatives.
     

Experiential Learning Opportunities  

International Field School 

Building on their learning in Systems and Futures thinking, students will travel to one or more cities that showcase leading-edge sustainability solutions and provide innovative, resilient strategies to prepare for a changing world.  

Note: this course will include an additional field trip fee to cover the cost of travel and accommodation, the amount will vary depending on the location.
 

Career Path 

Graduates of the Master of Future Cities program are equipped for leadership roles such as: 

  • Urban Planner 

  • Policy Advisor 

  • Sustainability Consultant 

  • City Manager 

  • Smart Cities Strategist, among others. 

These roles empower graduates to shape sustainable, innovative urban futures.
 

Program link 

Master of Future Cities | Environment | University of Waterloo (uwaterloo.ca)
 

Program Contact  

Cynthiya Subramaniam 

env-mfc@uwaterloo.ca 

Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering, with a Specialization in Future Cities

Why choose this program? 

The MEng in Civil Engineering, with a specialization in Future Cities, equips engineers to design smart, sustainable, and resilient urban systems. Through data-driven methods, systems-thinking, and interdisciplinary learning, students gain the skills to become city-building leaders for innovative infrastructure and urban projects. 

What will you gain from this specialization? 

  • Urban Infrastructure Systems: Design resilient, future-ready and climate-resilient urban systems that support growth and respond to complex city and community challenges. 

  • Sustainable Built Environment: Develop sustainable solutions that balance environmental, social, and economic needs. 

  • Urban Analytics and Big Data: Harness advanced data and analytical tools to make informed decisions that shape smart cities. 

  • Critical Thinking and Leadership: Build strong decision-making and leadership skills for impactful careers. 

  • Communication for Urban Contexts: Master the art of effective communication tailored to urban challenges and stakeholders. 

Career Path 

Graduates are prepared for roles such as: 

  • Urban infrastructure and transportation engineer 

  • Smart city systems designer 

  • Sustainability consultant 

  • Civil engineering project lead 

  • Data-driven policy analyst in public or private sectors 

Program Link: Civil Engineering - Master of Engineering (MEng)

Program Contact 

Deepa Devaraj 

Academic Services Coordinator – MEng Program and Facilities Management   

civemeng@uwaterloo.ca   

Diploma in Future Cities

Who is this program for? 

This program is open to students enrolled in degree programs or those pursuing non- or post-degree academic pathways.
 

What will you gain from this program? 

  • Build skills in urban sustainability, policy, and innovation through core training in futures thinking and a hands-on project.
  • Customize your learning with electives in climate change, AI ethics, health, literature, and more.
     

Program link 

Diploma in Future Cities (uwaterloo.ca)
 

Program Contact  

Rochelle DeSouza 

desouza@uwaterloo.ca