
Environmental Engineering
Why Study Environmental Engineering at U of G?
People, governments, activists and industries share concerns about our environment’s health and climate change. The demand for environmental engineers has never been higher, with an urgent need to design and engineer solutions and technologies to sustain our planet. The University of Guelph’s reputation for sustainable research and learning will prepare you for careers in this dynamic area.
Design, Implement and Develop Solutions
Reduce and prevent the impact of human activities on water, soil and air systems through a unique blend of environment and engineering courses and integration of social perspectives.
Choose Your Area of Focus
Choose from elective concentrations in areas of water/wastewater treatment design, air emission control, watershed system design, and remote sensing/GIS — then pursue a career to match!
Build Your Career Foundation
Learn at an institution globally recognized for sustainable impact where you’ll get the skills to help solve modern environmental problems nationally and internationally in many industries.
To see all courses offered in the Environmental Engineering program, visit our Academic Calendar.
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
Our Environmental Engineering co-op is a five-year program, with five work terms, designed to facilitate the transition of students from academic studies to a professional career improving students’ job search skills, work performance and networking abilities, and boosting resume experience. Learn more about the Environmental Engineering Co-op program.

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Careers in Environmental Engineering
In this program, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience and develop skills in problem-solving, project management, leadership, and communication. You'll also work on interdisciplinary projects that emphasize collaboration, teamwork, and design. These abilities will prepare you for success in a variety of exciting fields, including:
- Government
- Environment
- Research and Development
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Energy
- Transportation
- Construction
- Product Development
- Communications
- Cybersecurity
- Entertainment
- Consulting
- Education and Research
Careers you can pursue with a B.Eng. degree in Environmental Engineering:
- Environmental Consultant
- Air Quality Engineer
- Waste Management Engineer
- Sustainable Design Engineer
- Climate Change Analyst
- Renewable Energy Engineer
- Water Treatment Engineer
- Soil and Water Conservationist
- Soil Remediation Engineer
- Ecological Engineer
Co-op Stream
All Engineering majors at the University of Guelph are offered with co-op, allowing students to gain valuable paid work experience as part of their degree. Our program is direct entry, meaning you apply directly into your major of choice from the start.
Students are admitted directly to the co-op program. A regular stream is available, and students not interested in co-op may request a transfer once they begin their program.
Sequence A is followed by students in:
- Biological Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Resources Engineering
Sequence B is followed by students in:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Engineering Systems & Computing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
| YEAR 1 | YEAR 2 | YEAR 3 | YEAR 4 | YEAR 5 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester > | Fall | Winter | Summer | Fall | Winter | Summer | Fall | Winter | Summer | Fall | Winter | Summer | Fall | Winter | Summer | |
| Sequence A | A1 | A2 | Off | A3 | A4 | C1 | C2 | A5 | A6 | C3 | C4 | C5 | A7 | A8 | G | |
| Sequence B | A1 | A2 | Off | A3 | A4 | C1 | A5 | C2 | A6 | C3 | C4 | C5 | A7 | A8 | G | |
Legend:
A - Academic Term
C - Co-op Term
G - Graduation
Hear From an Environmental Engineering Student

My name is Myah Shaughnessy, and I’m a third-year Environmental Engineering Co-op student here at the University of Guelph. I chose Guelph for its focus on hands-on learning and opportunities for career development, which have enriched my educational experience. Outside of my academics, I enjoy golfing, yoga and cooking, activities that keep me creative and balanced. The Environmental Engineering program has offered a welcoming community and the chance to explore various areas within the field. I couldn’t imagine myself in any other program!

Studying environmental engineering at the University of Guelph has been filled with incredible opportunities, inspiring people, and unique integrated learning experiences. After being at this school for just over a year so far, I've gotten involved in clubs such as the Engineering Society, worked as a research assistant, and discovered many passions. Guelph's distinct engineering design courses are exactly what I was looking for in my senior year of high school because I wanted the ability to work with students of different engineering disciplines to simulate the working world. The atmosphere on campus was also a determining factor when choosing a university, and the beautiful close-knit campus sealed my decision.
Being passionate about the environment, I saw firsthand the impacts that can occur when we don't prioritize our environment and sustainability. This led me to pursue environmental engineering at the University of Guelph...My favorite course so far has been Introduction to Environmental Engineering because it sparked a lot of great conversation. It was really interesting to hear other perspectives and to engage with my peers about the problems facing our world.
Discover More Options
Students considering Environmental Engineering may also be interested in Biological Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students. Start your journey today!
Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
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