Disciplines and Specializations

The Faculty of Engineering offers undergraduate programs leading to BSc degrees in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.

All engineering students follow a common curriculum in their first year and take courses in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computing, Humanities, Engineering Mechanics, and Introduction to the Engineering Profession. In March of their first year, students choose among the various engineering disciplines offered and also between the traditional and cooperative education streams.

Co-op Academic Coursework

The Faculty of Engineering offers two types of degree programs to which all students can apply: the traditional program and the cooperative education program. Students in the traditional program typically attend classes from September to April over four years (eight academic terms) to obtain their degree. In the cooperative education program, students complement their academic studies with five four-month terms of paid work experience. The academic requirements for both programs are identical. Because of the work experience component, co-op students complete the last six academic terms over four years, so a degree with the Cooperative Education Program designation requires five years.

The Cooperative Education Program is offered in all Engineering programs except the Biomedical Options in Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Most programs include one fall work term (September to December), one winter work term (January to April) and three summer work terms (May to August). Because of the year-round nature of the Cooperative Education Program, co-op students are considered full-time students of the University of Alberta for the full 12 months of any academic year (July 1 to June 30).

Because work experience is required, the Engineering Co-op Program Office provides services to assist students in their search for suitable employment. Most jobs are in Alberta, but some jobs are elsewhere in Canada or overseas. Ultimately, the responsibility for obtaining employment for each work term is the student's.

For more information about the engineering programs offered at the University of Alberta, please consult the University Calendar.

^{Last update: April 10, 2017}