About the College of Engineering
Welcome to Engineering at the University of Guelph — where big ideas take shape.
We're on a mission to be one of Canada’s top engineering schools by offering a hands-on, design-focused education that prepares you to tackle real-world challenges. With innovative programs and research that makes a difference, you'll gain the skills, experience, and confidence to engineer a better future — starting now.
What Drives Us in Guelph Engineering
Guided by the University of Guelph’s commitment to Improve Life, we’re focused on delivering an exceptional engineering experience — in the classroom, in the lab, and in the world. Our values shape everything we do:
- Creating a welcoming environment built on equality, dignity, and diversity
- Embracing a multidisciplinary approach to engineering education, with engineering design at the heart of all our programs
- Encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and self-directed learning
- Nurturing a culture of innovation that adapts to society’s evolving needs
- Building strong partnerships beyond campus to enhance teaching and research
At Guelph, it's not just about what you learn — it's about how you’ll use it to make an impact.
Accreditation You Can Count On
Rest assured, our engineering programs are fully accredited, meaning your degree is recognized globally and opens doors to exciting career opportunities.
Academic Units
The College of Engineering at the University of Guelph brings together diverse disciplines through innovation, collaboration and design. The College is home to four departments:
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Water Resources Engineering;
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering;
- Department of Interdisciplinary Engineering;
- Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Learning, Research, Impact
Design and Innovate
Engineering design is where theory meets innovation—turning your B.Eng. into real-world impact.
Research Centres and Institutes
Discover how our research centres and institutes drive innovation and real-world impact through collaborative, interdisciplinary engineering solutions.
Our Research Strengths
For more than 50 years, we have been contributing to U of G’s research-intensive activities through multidisciplinary and applied engineering research.
Our History — Engineering Roots That Run Deep
Engineering at Guelph has a legacy that stretches back to 1874, when it first took shape at the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC). By 1928, the Department of Agricultural Engineering was officially established, setting the stage for a bold new direction in hands-on, applied learning. By the 1950s, students were graduating with a unique dual-degree experience — completing their final year at the University of Toronto to earn both a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from OAC. It was just the beginning of Guelph’s evolution into a leader in innovative, purpose-driven engineering education.
Our History: A New Chapter in Engineering Excellence
The founding of the University of Guelph in 1964 marked a major milestone in our engineering journey. That same year, the School of Agricultural Engineering was established under OAC, expanding its mission to meet the growing needs of the agricultural sector. Just one year later, in 1965, the School launched its first accredited programs in Agricultural Engineering and Water Resources Engineering — followed by Biological Engineering in 1968. These programs laid the groundwork for Guelph’s reputation as a leader in sustainable, systems-focused engineering.
Expanding Horizons, Building a Legacy
In 1970, the School of Agricultural Engineering officially became the School of Engineering, a name change that reflected its growing range of programs and evolving focus beyond agriculture. As the curriculum expanded, so did the need for a new home. In 1973, the School moved into the newly built Albert A. Thornbrough Building — a modern facility named in honour of Albert Thornbrough, former President of Massey-Ferguson Ltd. and a dedicated leader on the University’s Board of Directors. This move marked a bold step forward in Guelph Engineering’s commitment to innovation and growth.
Growth, Innovation, and Milestones
In 1989, the School of Engineering joined forces with the College of Physical Sciences to become the College of Physical and Engineering Sciences (CPES) — a move that sparked even more interdisciplinary collaboration. Around the same time, Guelph Engineering launched several forward-thinking programs: Environmental Engineering and Food Engineering in 1988, followed by Engineering Systems and Computing in 1989. As interest and enrollment grew, so did our home — the Thornbrough Building underwent major expansions in the 1990s and early 2000s to add lecture halls, labs, and collaborative spaces. By 2000, we proudly celebrated the graduation of our 2000th undergraduate engineering student, and in 2007, we marked a new era by officially adopting the Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree name.
Built on a Legacy. Driven by the Future.
From our roots in agricultural innovation to becoming a hub for cutting-edge engineering programs, the University of Guelph’s School of Engineering has always evolved to meet the needs of a changing world. In 2025, this evolution reached a milestone with our transformation into the College of Engineering — a name that reflects the depth, growth, and ambition of our programs and community. Each chapter of our history marks bold steps forward: expanding programs, modernizing spaces, and embracing new challenges. As we look ahead, we remain committed to growing with purpose, pushing boundaries, and empowering the next generation of engineers to lead with creativity, responsibility, and impact. The future of engineering starts here — and it’s yours to shape.
Dr. Moncef L. Nehdi, PhD, P.Eng.
Dean, College of Engineering
Dr. Moncef Nehdi has been appointed the first Dean of the newly established College of Engineering at the University of Guelph, following the 2025 restructuring that split the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) into two distinct academic units: the College of Engineering (COE) and the College of Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CCMPS).
An accomplished academic leader and globally ranked researcher, Dr. Nehdi previously served as Dean of CEPS and brings extensive experience from prior roles at McMaster University and Western University. His award-winning work in sustainable construction and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in civil engineering has influenced major infrastructure innovations worldwide. As the inaugural Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Nehdi is committed to advancing engineering education and research through innovation, equity, and global impact.
