Chemical Engineering

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.

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.

Chemical Engineering at Waterloo

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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.

in Canada for engineering (US News & World Report 2019)

Gain two years of experience in the co-op program

Students earn $13,300 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

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

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First-year courses

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

After first year

See the full range of courses in the program.
View all the courses required for your degree.

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

Gears Offered through the Faculty of Engineering

click Apply directly to this program on your application

grad cap Earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree

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

Waterloo chemical engineering student working in a laboratory

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.

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.