Chemical Engineering Degree
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 design ways to produce, transform, and transport material and energy: biofuels, plastics and polymers, renewable energy, pharmaceutical products, biomedical devices, and more.
At Waterloo, you’ll learn how to use and develop safe, economical, and environmentally friendly solutions to solve complex problems and improve efficiency. Delve deep into subjects ranging from chemistry to thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and other sciences. Manufacturing processes? You’ll study them too.
As a chemical engineer, your skillset and knowledge are truly universal! (No wonder the program gives you the ability to help advance all 17 United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.) Launch a purposeful career in life-saving pharmaceuticals, non-carbon fuel, food processing, cosmetics and beauty, renewable energy, biotechnology, health care, and the automotive sector.
Or learn how to develop advanced materials for soft robotics, energy storage devices, and microelectronics. Chemical engineers are involved in almost every product we rely on so there’s no shortage of fascinating work.
What courses will you take in Chemical Engineering?
First-year courses
In first year, you'll take a mix of engineering, math, biology, chemistry, and physics courses. After first year, most of your classes will be Chemical Engineering courses. You'll learn to design batteries, optimize and control chemical and biological processes, and design separation processes.
This is a sample schedule. Courses are subject to change.
After first year
- See the full range of courses in the program.
- View all the courses required for your degree.
Customize your degree
Choose one of our specializations after first year to focus your studies.
- Chemical Process Modelling Optimization & Control
- Energy & Environmental Systems & Processes
- Materials & Manufacturing Processes
Or choose one of the options available to all engineering students.
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
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
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
- 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 2026).
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 2026).
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.
What can I do with a degree in Chemical Engineering?
When you graduate, you’ll find no shortage of career options in various sectors like biomedicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food processing, automotive, environmental remediation, and renewable energy. Our Entrepreneurship Option gives you the skills to go off the beaten path and create your own startup.
Recent graduates
- Test systems engineer — Tesla
- Process specialist — Maple Leaf Foods
- Supply chain analyst — Estee Lauder Inc.
- Associate project manager — Natural Resources Canada
- Production engineer — Apotex Pharmaceuticals
- Laboratory technologist — University Health Network
- Design engineer — Evercloak
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.
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
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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Learn more
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Kelsey Richardson, our Faculty of Engineering recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.
You can also visit our Chemical Engineering program website