Life. Energy. Environment. Global solutions through chemical engineering
Be part of an evolving field with real-world impact at Waterloo, one of the world’s top chemical engineering programs. You’ll develop the skills and tools to transform raw materials into valuable products people use to create a better, more sustainable future.
Chemical engineers design ways to produce, transform, and transport material and energy: biofuels, plastics and polymers, renewable energy, pharmaceutical products, biomedical devices, and more.
At Waterloo, you’ll learn how to use and develop safe, economical, and environmentally friendly solutions to solve complex problems and improve efficiency. Delve deep into subjects ranging from chemistry to thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and other sciences. Manufacturing processes? You’ll study them too.
As a chemical engineer, your skillset and knowledge are truly universal! (No wonder the program gives you the ability to help advance all 17 United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.) Launch a purposeful career in life-saving pharmaceuticals, non-carbon fuel, food processing, cosmetics and beauty, renewable energy, biotechnology, health care, and the automotive sector.
Or learn how to develop advanced materials for soft robotics, energy storage devices, and microelectronics. Chemical engineers are involved in almost every product we rely on so there’s no shortage of fascinating work.
Part of Canada's largest engineering school, the Department of Chemical Engineering at Waterloo is home to more than 1,200 students, faculty and staff, with thousands of alumni worldwide.
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Benefit from multiple perspectives. Combine your knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and math with engineering design and problem-solving skills.
An experiential approach. Learn to conduct investigations in the areas of fluid mechanics, bioprocesses, electrochemistry, and more using our hands-on labs.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to 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
- Analyst
- Research assistant
- Materials scientist
- Process specialist
- Quality project coordinator
- Project manager
- Supply chain assistant
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.
Your first work term will be halfway through first year (January to April 2026).
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Second | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
or after first year (May to August 2026).
| 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 | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
There are two options for co-op sequences. You can request your preference if you receive an offer of admission.
Admissions 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
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.
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Learn more
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Kelsey Richardson, our Faculty of Engineering recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.
You can also visit our Chemical Engineering program website