Put your creativity and problem solving to the test
Learn to engineer the products we use every day. Turn fuel into energy, waste into resources, and raw material into finished products in one of the largest chemical engineering departments in Canada, and one of the top 100 in the world.
You’ll develop expertise in chemistry and materials science — plus you’ll learn the systems analysis skills to design, implement, and manage processes from start to finish.
You’ll put that knowledge to work during your six co-op terms: creating an impressive résumé, exploring different career areas, and earning money to help pay for your education.
in Canada for engineering (US News & World Report 2020)
Gain two years of experience in the
co-op program
Students earn $15,700 on average per co-op term
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 low 90s
Chemical Engineering at Waterloo
Part of Canada's largest engineering school, the department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo is home to more than 1,200 students, faculty and staff, with thousands of alumni worldwide.
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Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact an Engineering student ambassador to learn about their experience.
Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
First-year courses and beyond
September to December
- CHE 100 - Chemical Engineering Concepts 1
- CHE 102 - Chemistry for Engineers
- CHE 120 - Computer Literacy and Programming for Chemical Engineers
- CHE 180 - Design Studio 1
- MATH 115 - Linear Algebra for Engineering
- MATH 116 - Calculus 1 for Engineering
January to April or May to August
- CHE 101 - Chemical Engineering Concepts 2
- CHE 161 - Engineering Biology
- CHE 181 - Design Studio 2
- MATH 118 - Calculus 2 for Engineering
- PHYS 115 - Mechanics
- One Complementary Studies Elective
Sample upper-year courses
CHE 241 – Materials Science and Engineering
CHE 361 – Bioprocess Engineering
CHE 425 – Strategies for Process Improvement and Product Development
CHE 571 – Industrial Ecology
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
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 co-op job titles
- Manufacturing engineering / continuous improvement
- Data analyst
- Reliability engineering
- Production coordinator
- Quality project coordinator
- Process analyst
- Supply chain assistant
Sample co-op employers
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Suncor Energy
- Alchemy
- Metrolinx
- J.D. Irving Limited
- Johnson & Johnson Inc.
- Mondelez International
What can I do with a degree in Chemical Engineering?
When you graduate, you’ll find no shortage of career options in pharmaceuticals, pulp and paper, mining, oil and gas, food processing, health care, automotive, manufacturing, quality assurance, and more.
Recent graduates
- Process Engineer – HEC Technologies
- Engineer – Canadian Natural Resources
- Quality Specialist – Labatt Breweries of Canada
- Engineering Coordinator – Arla Foods
- Production Engineer – Apotex Pharmaceuticals
- Process Specialist – Maple Leaf Foods
- Project Engineer – ABC Group
Possible professional designation
Learn about the future of careers in engineering.
Student life, including Women in Engineering
Student design teams
Have fun and develop hands-on experience through one or more of our 20+ student-led design teams! Design teams include rocketry, concrete canoe, robotics, solar car, submarine racing, autonomous vehicle, Space X Hyperloop, Formula Motorsports, Engineers Without Borders, and more.
You’ll meet people with similar interests and goals, benefit from networking with experts in the engineering profession, and develop some great skills for your résumé.
Women in Engineering
Women in Engineering (WiE) supports female students and engineers while encouraging the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering. Regardless of gender, orientation, or background, you’re welcome to join this inclusive community to participate in outreach events as well as mentorship and volunteer opportunities.
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.
Engineering Society (EngSoc)
EngSoc is run by students for students and provides many 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 get involved and meet other students through an annual conference, semiformal, career fair, charity events, community outreach, and much more!
Campus-wide activities
Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved – no matter how unique your interests. Between our 250+ student-run clubs, sports and recreation opportunities, student government, and events, student life at Waterloo has something for everyone.
Earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree
Gain two years of paid co-op work experience, earn money to help pay for your education, and try out different career areas through North America's largest co-op program.
Ready to learn more?
Hone your lab skills
Learn how to conduct investigations in the areas of fluid mechanics, bioseparations, and electrochemistry using our hands-on labs.
Make new friends
Waterloo’s Engineering Society organizes everything from board game nights and free movies to charity grilled cheese lunches and yoga lessons.
Offered through the Faculty of Engineering
Apply directly to this program on your application
