Environmental Engineering
Engineer the environment for a better future
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.
What courses will you take in Environmental Engineering?
First-year courses
You’ll take a mix of foundational engineering and mathematics courses in first year. After first year, most of your classes will be Environmental Engineering courses covering topics such as environmental chemistry, air quality, biological processes, environmental modelling, water resources, and design of water, waste, and soil treatment systems.
This is a sample schedule. Courses are subject to change.
After first year
See the range of courses available in Environmental Engineering. You can also view all the courses required for your degree.
Customize your degree
Specialize in upper years to focus your studies.
- Energy
- Hydrology
- Pollution Treatment & Control
Or choose one of the options available to all engineering students to include additional areas of interest.
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
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.
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).
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
- Drainage design engineering assistant
- Environmental engineering assistant
- Technical writer
- Tides and water levels assistant
- Field engineering / project coordinator
- Industrial wastewater engineering
- Program developer
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 | Co-op | Study |
Second | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through first year (January to April 2026).
What careers can you pursue with an Environmental Engineering degree?
Graduates often pursue careers that can positively impact the environment around us such as consulting, operations, and more. They typically work in government, for cities, and for environmental consulting firms.
Recent graduates
- Environmental Consultant — Pottinger Gaherty Environmental Consultants
- Water Resources Specialist — Golder Associates
- Environmental Specialist — Public Works Government Services Canada
- Project Coordinator — David Schaeffer Engineering
- Geomatics Analyst — Monteith Sutherland Geospatial Solutions
- Operations Specialist — CLEAResult
- Water Resource Engineer in Training — AECOM
Possible professional designation
Learn about the future of careers in engineering.
Tuition fees for Engineering programs
First-year tuition
Type of fees | Tuition (8 months of school) |
---|---|
Domestic (Ontario residents) | $18,000 |
Domestic (Out of province students) | $19,000 |
International (visa students) | $73,000 |
- Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
- Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.
Student life in Engineering
Student design teams
Have fun and develop hands-on experience through one or more of our 35+ student-led design teams!
Design teams include rocketry, concrete canoe, small airplanes, robotics, solar car, submarine racing, autonomous vehicle, Engineers Without Borders, and more.
Engineering Society (EngSoc)
EngSoc is run by students and provides social and academic events and services to make your experience as a Waterloo Engineering student the best it can be.
Benefit from mentoring for first-year students or meet other students through an annual conference, semi-formal, career fair, charity events, community outreach, and much more!
Women in Engineering
Women in Engineering (WiE) supports women and non-binary engineering students and alumni, while encouraging the next generation to pursue a future career in engineering
Any student is also welcome to join Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM), a student-run club that promotes equality in STEM through skills workshops, discussions, and guest speakers.
Campus-wide activities
Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved – no matter how unique your interests.
Between our 200+ student-run clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, student government, and events, student life at Waterloo has something for everyone.
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.
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