Build better buildings — and a bright career in the process
Combine engineering expertise with architectural savvy to boost the energy efficiency, durability, and sustainability of buildings. In Waterloo's newest engineering program, you'll learn how to design, renovate, and retrofit flexible buildings that adapt to different needs. And have the opportunity to combine it all with co-op.
You'll cover all the science and engineering that goes into good building design, including mechanics, structural analysis, structural design and more. In third year, you'll study at Waterloo's world-class School of Architecture, deepening your understanding of aesthetics, culture, and other elements of design.
As a result, you'll graduate speaking the language of both engineers and architects — a skill that will put you on the fast track to leadership in the building design industry.
Design from day one
Combine science and design. You'll gain the technical know-how of an engineer while developing design skills through modelling and prototyping in hands-on studio courses each term.
Collaborate with architects
You'll spend third year at the School of Architecture in Cambridge, Ontario, working and interacting with talented Architecture students and gaining expertise in design.
Architectural Engineering at Waterloo
Our Architectural Engineering program leverages elements of Architecture and Civil Engineering to produce engineers technically skilled in the whole scope of building design, construction, assessment, repair and refurbishment.
in Canada for engineering (US News & World Report 2019)
Gain two years of experience in Waterloo's co-op program
Earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree
Architectural 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)
- 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 high 80s
The Admission Information Form is required for admission.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
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First-year courses
September to December
January to April
You'll have your first four-month paid co-op work term.
May to August
Sample upper-year courses
AE 265 – Structure and Properties of Materials
AE 300 – Architectural Engineering Studio
AE 315 – Building Structural Systems
AE 392 – Economics and Life Cycle Analysis
Offered by the Faculty of Engineering
Apply directly to this program on your application
Learn how sustainability is fundamental to design
Architectural Engineering combines civil engineering with architecture to provide you with technical knowledge and the necessary design skills to succeed in your future careers.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
You'll have your first co-op work term in January to April of your first year, alternating between four-month co-op work terms and four-month school terms. By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample employers
- Consulting firms specializing in structural and/or architectural design
- Building performance consulting firms
- Construction companies and developers
- Regulatory agencies
- Building owners and operators
Possible professional designation
How does Architectural Engineering relate to Architecture?
Course content-wise, the program is closer to the Civil Engineering program than it is to Architecture. Courses will cover mechanics, structural analysis, and structural design, as well as a heavy math focus in your first two years.
You'll learn about the science and engineering behind good building design – not just the structural aspects, but also energy efficiency, sustainable building design, and smart/green building design. The program covers only enough about the aesthetic aspects of building design to be able to communicate intelligently with architects in their own language. In Architecture, these aesthetic aspects are a much greater focus.
Ready to learn more?
- Visit the Architectural Engineering website
- Read our Architectural Engineering FAQs
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