Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering - Environmental and Water Resources Engineering in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo

Civil engineers create and oversee the vast infrastructure that modern society relies on, including roads, structures, bridges, dams, tunnels, flood barriers, sewage networks, and water purification facilities. As stewards of our infrastructure's future, Civil Engineers currently oversee expenditures exceeding 10% of Canada's GDP - more than any other professional field. Since their primary responsibility is to serve society, Civil Engineers frequently address the societal implications of their work, encompassing ethical, legal, and community concerns. Whether specializing or working broadly, Civil Engineers extensively utilize knowledge from physical and social sciences, other engineering disciplines, and various professions. In recent years, as engineering has expanded into interdisciplinary domains, the traditional boundaries between engineering specialties have become increasingly fluid. The analytical and problem-solving skills gained through a Civil engineering degree make graduates highly desirable in diverse sectors from urban development to finance to corporate management.

The Master of Applied Science program emphasizes research and offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options, with full-time participation strongly recommended. Full-time MASc students typically finish within two years, dedicating the first year primarily to coursework and the second to research. Admission requires securing a faculty supervisor in the applicant's specialization area who agrees to oversee their research and provide financial support. Prospective MASc applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors in their desired research group before applying online. While not mandatory, this preliminary contact helps assess compatibility between student and faculty research interests. Applicants should also specify their preferred supervisor(s) in the designated section of the online application.

The environmental and water resources (E&WR) specialization benefits from the expertise of 15.5 full-time faculty members, two research associate professors, and one research assistant professor. This area represents a particular strength within civil and environmental engineering at the University of Waterloo and forms the foundation of the institution-wide Water Institute.