UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO · CANADA
Architectural Engineering
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Co-op only programWork Experience
- Study at the School of Architecture in Cambridge, ON in third yearUnique Collaboration
- Emphasis on green building technology and sustainabilitySustainability Focus
- Accredited engineering programProfessional Designation
- Project groupwork from day oneHands-on Learning
- Develops skills for building design and operationProgram Focus
The Architectural Engineering program at the University of Waterloo is an in-demand engineering degree that combines design, collaboration, and communication skills with strong analytical capabilities for building design and operation. You will learn to work with architects on aesthetic design while ensuring all building systems are functional, secure, and safe, including lighting, heating, plumbing, and structural systems. The program emphasizes green building technology and sustainability, teaching you how to assess, repair, and refurbish existing buildings to reduce their carbon footprint. You will develop precise communication skills, whether written, graphic, or oral, to effectively interact with both engineers and architects. This unique program offers significant project-based group work from the outset. You will participate in a studio design course each term and, in your third year, study at the world-renowned School of Architecture in Cambridge, Ontario. This immersive experience will deepen your understanding of aesthetics, culture, and design elements. Upon graduation, your comprehensive knowledge and communication abilities will position you for leadership roles within the construction industry.
Curriculum
Your studies will integrate engineering principles with architectural thinking. You'll engage in studio design courses each term and explore specializations in Building Structures or Building Systems.
- First Year
- Concepts StudioAE 100
- History of the Built EnvironmentAE 101
- Mechanics 1AE 104
- Linear AlgebraAE 115
- Chemistry for EngineersCHE 102
- Calculus 1 for EngineeringMATH 116
- Mechanics 2AE 105
- Computational MethodsAE 121
- Structural Design StudioAE 125
- Electrical Circuits and InstrumentationAE 123
- SeminarAE 199
- Calculus 2 for EngineeringMATH 118
- Upper Years
- Enclosure Design StudioAE 200
- Structure and Properties of MaterialsAE 265
- Structural Timber DesignAE 377
- Building Science and TechnologyCIVE 507
Careers
A degree in Architectural Engineering prepares you for a variety of roles within the building industry, focusing on the technical and design aspects of building construction and operation. You'll be well-suited for positions in building design consulting firms, government public works departments, construction companies, and development firms.
- Building systems engineer
- Structural engineer
- Construction project manager
- Facade engineer
- Sustainability consultant
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) specialist
- Building inspector
- Urban planner
- Lighting engineer
- Acoustical engineer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
- For IELTS Academic, you need an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and listening. For TOEFL iBT, a score of 90 overall with 25 in writing and speaking is required for tests completed before January 21, 2026. For tests completed after this date, the requirement is 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and speaking.
- How much are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition fees are assessed based on your immigration status. Please use the Tuition Fee Estimator on the university's website for an estimate of tuition and incidental fees. These estimates are based on approved rates for the 2026/2027 academic year and do not include living expenses or English language training.
- What is the duration of the Architectural Engineering bachelor's program?
- The provided data does not specify the exact duration of the bachelor's program. However, it indicates that students will engage in studio design courses each term and study at the School of Architecture in Cambridge, Ontario, during their third year.
- What career opportunities are available after graduating from the Architectural Engineering program?
- Graduates can pursue roles such as Building systems engineer, Structural engineer, Construction project manager, or Sustainability consultant. The program also prepares students for professional designations like Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- What academic qualifications are required for admission?
- A High School Diploma is required for admission. Specific admission requirements can vary by program and country of residency, and you should check the program page for detailed information.
- How do I apply to the Architectural Engineering program?
- You need to submit an application through the applicant portal and complete the Declaration of Academic Experience. Official transcripts and, if required, English language test scores must be sent directly to the university's Office of the Registrar by the document deadline.
Entry requirements
High School DiplomaAdmission requirements vary by program and country of residency. Specific details should be checked on the program page.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and speaking, 6.0 in reading and listening
TOEFL iBT90 overall with 25 in writing and speaking (for tests completed before Jan 21, 2026). After Jan 21, 2026: 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and speaking.
You may be exempt from submitting English language test scores if your first language is English and you have completed four or more years of full-time education in an English-language school system in Canada. Other exemptions may apply, but require official documentation from your previous schools. Full-time ESL programs do not count towards this requirement.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are assessed based on your immigration status. Use the Tuition Fee Estimator for an estimate of tuition and incidental fees.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are assessed based on your immigration status. Use the Tuition Fee Estimator for an estimate of tuition and incidental fees.
LivingThe Tuition Fee Estimator does not include expenses such as off-campus housing, groceries, textbooks, or equipment.
Tuition fee estimates are based on approved rates for the 2026/2027 academic year and assume a Fall 2026 start. Costs for English language training programs are not included in degree estimates. Estimates are for tuition and incidental fees only; other living expenses are additional.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete the application through the applicant portal.
2. Provide Academic InformationComplete the Declaration of Academic Experience in the applicant portal to determine if English language test scores are required.
3. Submit Transcripts and ScoresOfficial transcripts and, if required, official English language test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar by the document deadline.
Accreditation
This is an accredited engineering program.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
For IELTS Academic, you need an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and listening. For TOEFL iBT, a score of 90 overall with 25 in writing and speaking is required for tests completed before January 21, 2026. For tests completed after this date, the requirement is 4.5 overall with 5 in writing and speaking.
How much are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees are assessed based on your immigration status. Please use the Tuition Fee Estimator on the university's website for an estimate of tuition and incidental fees. These estimates are based on approved rates for the 2026/2027 academic year and do not include living expenses or English language training.
What is the duration of the Architectural Engineering bachelor's program?
+
The provided data does not specify the exact duration of the bachelor's program. However, it indicates that students will engage in studio design courses each term and study at the School of Architecture in Cambridge, Ontario, during their third year.
What career opportunities are available after graduating from the Architectural Engineering program?
+
Graduates can pursue roles such as Building systems engineer, Structural engineer, Construction project manager, or Sustainability consultant. The program also prepares students for professional designations like Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
What academic qualifications are required for admission?
+
A High School Diploma is required for admission. Specific admission requirements can vary by program and country of residency, and you should check the program page for detailed information.
How do I apply to the Architectural Engineering program?
+
You need to submit an application through the applicant portal and complete the Declaration of Academic Experience. Official transcripts and, if required, English language test scores must be sent directly to the university's Office of the Registrar by the document deadline.