Design a sustainable future
Health, energy, and environment. Global sustainable solutions through Chemical Engineering.
In one of the world's top Chemical Engineering programs, you’ll enhance your knowledge of physics, chemistry, biology, and math to transform raw materials into useful products. You'll also design and control complex physical and chemical processes.
Chemical engineers design, implement, and supervise industrial processes where matter undergoes change, including in the pharmaceutical, energy, or plastics industries, among others. They also play a major role in the field of nanotechnology, with applications in the development of new eco-friendly advanced materials and devices.
Through North America's largest co-op program, you can apply your transferable skills in a wide range of jobs that support the transition to sustainable energy, combat climate change, maximize food production, enable a circular economy, enhance health care, and more.
During your six co-op terms, you'll be able to create an impressive résumé, explore potential career areas, and earn money to help pay for your education. You’ll graduate ready for a career in renewable energy, electrochemical systems, agriculture and food processing, biotechnology and biomedical, pharmaceuticals, environmental remediation, and more.
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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