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Civil Engineering

Build the Future with Civil Engineering at U of G

At the University of Guelph, Civil Engineering is about more than concrete and steel—it’s about building a better world. From your first year, you'll dive into hands-on projects that challenge you to create infrastructure that supports growing communities, protects the environment, and improves quality of life—locally and globally.

This program stands out for its focus on sustainability, resilience, and social justice. You’ll take courses like 'Civil Engineering Sustainability and Design' and 'Water and Climate Justice', learning how engineering can create real impact for people and the planet. Plus, you may choose to explore the future of civil systems with our unique Artificial Intelligence and Civil Engineering Systems emphasis.

Design and Build Real-World Solutions

Use a systems-thinking approach to plan and build sustainable infrastructure—from roads and water systems to smart cities and climate-resilient communities.

Dig Deeper

Gain expertise in the discipline with courses in areas like structural design, geotechnical systems, transportation planning, and sustainable water infrastructure.

Launch a Future-Proof Career

You’ll graduate with the skills to lead in today’s most in-demand industries—armed with experience, a portfolio of real-world projects, and a deep understanding of environmental and social responsibility.

To see all courses offered in the Civil Engineering program, visit our Academic Calendar.

Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op

All Civil Engineering students at Guelph are automatically admitted into our co-op stream, meaning you can graduate with five work terms and over 20 months of paid industry experience. Co-op is fully integrated into the program, helping you build your resume, make professional connections, and explore your career path while you study.

Courses also bring the real world into the classroom—with labs, community-based learning, and interdisciplinary projects in courses like Humanitarian Engineering and Capstone Design. Learn more about the Civil Engineering Co-op program.

Apply Now

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Your Civil Engineering Career Starts Here

Alongside your technical training, you'll build critical skills in leadership, communication, project management, and collaboration—making you career-ready for roles across many sectors, including:

Government & Infrastructure Development
Transportation & Construction
Urban Planning & Environment
Energy, Technology & Consulting
Education, Research & Emergency Management

Careers you can pursue with a B.Eng. degree in Civil Engineering:

Structural Engineer
Transportation Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Construction Project Manager
Bridge Designer
Infrastructure Planner
Environmental Systems Engineer
Sustainability Consultant
Building Code Specialist
Municipal 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

Semester 1

General Chemistry I
Engineering and Design I
Engineering Analysis
Calculus I
Physics with Applications

Semester 2

General Chemistry II
Introduction to Programming
Engineering Mechanics I
Calculus II
Introductory Electricity and Magnetism

In addition to the Interdisciplinary Design courses taken by all U of G Engineering students, Civil Engineering students can take these major-specific design courses:

Civil Engineering Sustainability & Design
Structural Design
Water Infrastructure Design for Cities
River Hydraulic Design for Sustainability and Resiliency
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Design
Green Infrastructure Design for Stormwater Management

Civil Engineers design and build the infrastructure that shapes our world—supporting growing communities while protecting the environment. At the University of Guelph, you’ll take interdisciplinary courses that blend engineering fundamentals with sustainability, climate adaptation, and social impact. Below are just a few examples of the courses that make our Civil Engineering program stand out. For descriptions of these courses and an overview of all courses available, please consult the current Undergraduate Calendar.