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 are experts in the transformation of materials and energy at industrial scales. They're responsible for the production of biofuels, plastics and polymers, batteries, pharmaceuticals, biomedical devices, microelectronics, and pretty much everything you can imagine.
At Waterloo, you’ll learn how to design and operate safe, economical, and environmentally friendly processes to convert raw materials and waste into energy and valuable products. Delve deep into subjects ranging from thermodynamics and fluid mechanics to materials science, biochemical engineering, and process control.
As a chemical engineer, your skillset and knowledge are truly universal! (No wonder the program gives you the ability to advance all 17 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.) Launch a purposeful career in life-saving pharmaceuticals, sustainable fuel, food manufacturing, personal care and cosmetics, renewable energy, biotechnology, health care, pollution control, and the automotive sector.
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only
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
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll 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 2027).
| 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 2027).
| 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
There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission. We'll email you detailed instructions once we receive your application. An online video interview is required for Faculty of Engineering scholarships and is strongly recommended for admission.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact the Faculty of Engineering recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.