Curious about studying engineering?
Start your journey in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Engineering with our bachelor of science in engineering programs.
Here's the Process:
Apply
Applying to a university involves a few different steps and it can often be hard to know what's next, where you are in the process, and how to proceed with your application. To find out where you are in the process and what your next steps should be, check out the information below.
First Year
In the Faculty of Engineering, your first year is called a “common/foundational year.” In your qualifying year, have the opportunity to discover the world of engineering by sampling all disciplines — from Computer Engineering to Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering — in either English or French, le site du Campus Saint-Jean.
Foundational/Qualifying First Year Required Courses
| Term 1 (Fall) | |
|---|---|
| Math 100 | Calculus I |
| Engg 130 | Engineering Mechanics |
| Chem 103 | Introductory University Chemistry I |
| Phys 130 | Wave Motion, Optics, and Sound |
| Engg 100 | Success in Engineering |
| Engl 199* | English for Engineers |
| Term 2 (Winter) | |
|---|---|
| Math 101 | Calculus II |
| Math 102 | Applied Linear Algebra |
| Chem 105 | Introductory University Chemistry II |
| En Ph 131 | Mechanics |
| Engg 160 | Introduction to Engineering Design |
| Encmp 100* | Computer Programming for Engineers |
*ENGL 199 and ENCMP 100 are offered in both terms. Some students may take ENCMP 100 in Fall & ENGL 199 in Winter.
Ready for more?
Learn about your first year in the Faculty of Engineering on the University of Alberta Admissions website or contact engginfo@ualberta.ca or book a virtual advising appointment with a prospective student advisor.
Disciplines
After your first year, you will have the opportunity to select your discipline and degree path, honing in your preferred subject area for the remainder of your program. You’ll also get to choose between a traditional four-year engineering degrees as well as five-year Co-op engineering degrees.
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Environmental Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Nanoengineering
- Nanoscale System Design
- Petroleum Engineering
- Software Engineering
Co-op or traditional program
After your qualifying-first year, you can complete your studies in the traditional route or the co-op route. In the traditional route, you take classes during regulated school semesters, as you would in any degree program. With this route you can expect to graduate in 4 years with your summers off.
In the co-op route, students gain a competitive edge when entering the workforce, with up to 20 months of paid work experience on your resume! This can help to boost employability through individualised employment support and guidance throughout the recruitment process.
Students in the co-op stream swap between regular studies during one semester, and the work experience in the next. Because of the work experience component, co-op students complete the last six academic terms over four years, so a degree with this designation requires five years before completion, compared to 4 years in a traditional stream.
Explore the Co-op programFirst Year Engineering in French
In collaboration with Campus Saint-Jean, the Faculty of Engineering offers students the opportunity to study their first year of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng) in French.
Explore First Year Engineering in French
Supports and Services
Tuition & Scholarship Information
Your education is an important investment, and you don't want to be worried about your finances while you're completing your degree. So start with a plan and be sure to explore all the scholarships and supports we offer!
Living on Campus
Make the transition from high school to university with ease. Discover the support and programs that will set you up for success in your first year of university by living in residence.
Are you an international student looking for support in finding the right housing? University of Alberta International is here to help!
Find Housing
Student Services and Support
We’re here to help you to succeed in your academics, career, and life!
Learn more about the supports available to you such as Program Advising, Academic Support, Career Connections, Student Wellness and Scholarships for continuing students!
Student ServicesThe Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Qualifying First Year: Your chance to explore Engineering!
If you are applying directly from high school or with no previous university experience, Engineering at Alberta offers a chance to learn about the entire profession during a common first year of Engineering courses (officially it's called the Qualifying First Year – when you're ready, learn more about it in the University of Alberta Admissions website).
Learn more about your Qualifying First Year
This first-year curriculum is designed to give you a solid foundation and introduce you to the vast opportunities available. You'll not only increase your academic capacity, you'll also discover how you can shape your future career.
From there, you will have the opportunity to choose a discipline and degree path that starts in second year, in both traditional four-year Engineering degrees as well as five-year Co-op Engineering degrees.
Votre première année en français / First-year option: study in French
Êtes-vous un génie? Le Campus Saint-Jean, en collaboration avec la Faculty of Engineering de l'Université de l'Alberta, offre la possibilité aux étudiants de faire leur première année du Baccalauréat en génie (BSc Eng) en français. Pour plus d'informations, visitez le site du Campus Saint-Jean.
First-Year Engineering Transfer Program
The Engineering at Alberta also offers one-year Engineering Transfer Programs through the following Alberta and British Columbia post-secondary institutions:
- Northwestern Polytechnic
- Keyano College
- MacEwan University (currently not accepting students)
- Medicine Hat College (currently not accepting students)
- Red Deer College
- University of Lethbridge
- Vancouver Island University
Students in the engineering transfer programs will take equivalent courses to those completed by first-year Engineering students at the University of Alberta and will be considered for admission into a second-year Engineering at Alberta program based on their first-year results.
Students interested in an Engineering Transfer Program should apply directly to the transfer institution and applications will be assessed in accordance with that institution's admission requirements.
Additional information on transfer requirements can be found on our Transferring from an Engineering Transfer Program webpage.
Other Transfer Options
We also offer options for transferring in from other programs at the University of Alberta, Engineering Technologist Diploma programs, and other post-secondary institutions.
What kinds of Engineering can I study?
You have a lot to choose from! It all starts with a Qualifying First Year, then you specialize in second year in either a four-year Traditional Degree or a five-year Co-op Program. Explore our available specializations below (that we call Disciplines and Degrees), including links to more information in the UAlberta Registrar's Office Admissions website.
Or check out our Undergrad Viewbook in PDF format!
(Looking for help in choosing your second-year program? Visit the Engineering Student Service - Program Help section of our website!)
Biomedical or biomechanical engineering is the application of the principles of engineering to the solution of problems in medicine and clinical sciences. You’ll receive a human-centric education that builds on the traditional Mechanical Engineering degree, and helps prepare you for employment in the healthcare industry, or for graduate-level studies. This Option is taken as part of a Mechanical Engineering degree and is the same as the “Mechanical Engineering” category below.
Chemical engineers play an important role in society, finding new ways to convert raw materials into finished products and make improvements to daily life. Our Chemical Engineering program is regarded as one of the leading programs of its kind in North America and is distinguished for its oil sands and biomedical research.
The Computer Process Control curriculum is built around the Chemical Engineering program core. You will take all the required chemical engineering courses, as well as additional specialized courses that help to develop your skills as a computer process control engineer.
Civil Engineers play a key role in our cities and our society, planning, building, and maintaining infrastructure while addressing environmental concerns and the challenges of providing a sustainable future. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta is among the best in Canada, with a long-standing tradition of excellence and many distinguished alumni.
Environmental engineers apply their knowledge of the natural sciences — chemistry, biology, and microbiology — with their expertise in civil engineering to design municipal services and solve environmental problems. This Option is taken as part of a Civil Engineering degree and is the same as the “Environmental Engineering” category below.
Computer engineers play a key role in designing, constructing, and integrating the technology that continues to change our lives every day. Our Computer Engineering program provides you with a broad background in the theory and application of hardware and software technologies.
The Nanoscale Systems Design Option gives you the opportunity to focus on the emerging field of nanotechnology, giving you an introduction to the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale integrated circuits and in designing the tools necessary for the mass production of nanoscale systems. The University of Alberta is a leader in nanotechnology and nano-scale engineering. This Option is taken as part of a Computer Engineering degree and is the same as the “Nanoscale System Design” category below.
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering - Nanoscale System Design Option
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Co-op - Nanoscale System Design Option
The Software Option provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of software engineering and development. You will build on your foundational knowledge in computing by studying areas such as discrete and continuous mathematics, physical science, logic, and engineering design principles through to application and development of software systems of all sizes. This Option is taken as part of a Computer Engineering degree and is the same as the “Software Engineering” category below.
In the Electrical Engineering program at the University of Alberta you will gain hands-on experience working on electrical devices and systems that transmit, distribute, store, control and use electromagnetic energy or electrically coded information.
The Electrical Nanoengineering Option provides an introduction to the principles of electronics, electromagnetics, and photonics as they apply at the nanoscale level. By selecting this option, students will learn about the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale structures and become familiar with the computer-aided design tools necessary for analyzing phenomena at high levels of miniaturization. This Option is taken as part of an Electrical Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Nanoengineering” category below.
Engineering physicists are accomplishing breakthroughs and innovations in a variety of fields by applying cutting-edge physics research to new and existing technologies. The University of Alberta’s Engineering Physics program starts with a strong foundation in mathematics and physics and builds upon these principles through active research projects in areas such as fusion energy, microelectronics, robotics systems, and fibre-optic communications.
The Engineering Physics Nanoengineering Option provides an introduction to the physics problems associated with engineering at the nanoscale level. You will have a wealth of resources at your disposal, including the Micromachining and Nanofabrication Facility, as well as the recently established undergraduate nanotechnology lab. This Option is taken as part of an Electrical Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Nanoengineering” category below.
Environmental engineers apply their knowledge of the natural sciences — chemistry, biology, and microbiology — with their expertise in civil engineering to design municipal services and solve environmental problems. As an environmental engineer, you might be involved in performing an environmental impact assessment, or in designing or managing systems for water distribution and collection, water treatment plants, solid waste handling and processing facilities, landfills, and air treatment plants. This Option is taken as part of a Civil Engineering degree and is the same as the “Civil Engineering” category above.
Materials engineers work to produce, process, and manufacture raw materials and finished products, impacting the world around us in immeasurable ways. The University of Alberta is the only university in Western Canada to offer a Materials Engineering program; our graduates are in demand across Canada and around the world in industries as diverse as energy, biology, medicine, consumer products, and communications.
From tiny life-saving devices to the engines, machines, and plants that power our world, the influence that mechanical engineering has on our society is profound. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta offers a broad-based program that prepares graduates for immediate employment in a wide variety of industries and emphasizes opportunities for you to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on application and design. You will gain a thorough understanding of mechanical engineering by taking courses in five major areas: solid mechanics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and design.
Biomedical or biomechanical engineering is the application of the principles of engineering to the solution of problems in medicine and clinical sciences. You’ll receive a human-centric education that builds on the traditional Mechanical Engineering degree, and helps prepare you for employment in the healthcare industry, or for graduate-level studies. This Option is taken as part of a Mechanical Engineering degree and is the same as the “Biomedical Engineering” category above.
Most resources that cannot be grown or harvested need to be extracted from the Earth by mining engineers. Mining engineers are involved in every aspect of resource extraction, applying science and technology to plan, design, manage, and optimize mining and mineral projects around the world.The Mining Engineering program at the University of Alberta is the biggest of its kind in Canada, offering a broad-based program covering subjects ranging from surface and underground mining to physical and mathematical sciences.
The Electrical Nanoengineering Option provides an introduction to the principles of electronics, electromagnetics, and photonics as they apply at the nanoscale level. By selecting this option, students will learn about the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale structures and become familiar with the computer-aided design tools necessary for analyzing phenomena at high levels of miniaturization. This Option is taken as part of an Electrical Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Electrical Engineering” category above.
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering - Nanoengineering Option
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Co-op - Nanoengineering Option
The Engineering Physics Nanoengineering Option provides an introduction to the physics problems associated with engineering at the nanoscale level. You will have a wealth of resources at your disposal, including the Micromachining and Nanofabrication Facility, as well as the recently established undergraduate nanotechnology lab. This Option is taken as part of an Engineering Physics degree and is the same as in the “Engineering Physics” category below.
The Nanoscale Systems Design Option gives you the opportunity to focus on the emerging field of nanotechnology, giving you an introduction to the processes involved in the fabrication of nanoscale integrated circuits and in designing the tools necessary for the mass production of nanoscale systems. The University of Alberta is a leader in nanotechnology and nano-scale engineering. This Option is taken as part of a Computer Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Computer Engineering” category above.
Petroleum Engineering is more than just oil and gas: in addition to energy, petroleum-based products such as plastics are key components of virtually every consumer product and medical device we use. Petroleum engineers apply scientific understanding and technology in the extraction and management of hydrocarbon resources while also exploring ways to preserve and protect the environment. For the past five decades, the University of Alberta has offered the only accredited BSc Petroleum Engineering degree program in Canada.
The Software Option provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of software engineering and development. You will build on your foundational knowledge in computing by studying areas such as discrete and continuous mathematics, physical science, logic, and engineering design principles through to application and development of software systems of all sizes. This Option is taken as part of a Computer Engineering degree and is the same as in the “Computer Engineering” category above.