Engineering for a better, more resilient future
Ready to help solve some of the world’s most pressing energy, climate change, and sustainability challenges? Environmental engineers are making a difference!
At Waterloo, you’ll merge your strengths in math and physics with biology and chemistry, then put them to use with the latest technology to address problems at the interface between engineered and natural systems. Meanwhile, you’ll gain two years of paid experience through six co-op work terms.
Find out how to develop food, water, air and energy systems that protect our health while also helping to protect and restore the world around us. You'll gain the skills needed to design smarter water treatment and distribution systems, clean contaminated soil, or even build a better city.
By graduation, you'll be ready for a future in energy sustainability analysis, pollution control and restoration, water resource engineering, air quality modelling, and more.
If providing solutions to pressing problems such as climate change, unequal access to clean drinking water, and global decreases in biodiversity is your passion, you’re in the right place. Lead the way to a more sustainable future with this in-demand field. Opportunity awaits!
Faculty:
Faculty of Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Protect the planet. Waterloo’s strong background in water research can lead to careers in watershed restoration, water treatment, habitat protection, and air pollution mitigation.
Learn at one of the world's top universities. Waterloo is ranked #1 in Canada for environmental science and engineering (Academic World Ranking of Universities 2023).
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
- Drainage design engineering assistant
- Environmental engineering assistant
- Technical writer
- Tides and water levels assistant
- Field engineering / project coordinator
- Industrial wastewater engineering
- Program developer
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.
| 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 | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through first year (January to April 2026).
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)
- Physics (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Chemistry (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 Environmental Engineering program website.