Experiential learning provides students with hands-on opportunities beyond the traditional lecture-style format to gain valuable experience.

Engineering Co-op Program

The Engineering Co-op Program is an optional program which provides you with the opportunity to work in real engineering positions before you graduate. The Undergraduate Co-op Program is administered by the Engineering Co-op and Career Services Department (ECCS).

Example Employers:

• Toronto Hydro Corporation
• Canadian Solar Solutions
• Metrolinx
• Government of Ontario
• Sobotec
• McNally Construction
• Aecon Group

Extracurricular Activities

McMaster Engineering has many engineering clubs, teams and societies you can join to enhance your practical knowledge and soft skills, provide support, or give you the chance to explore new activities. Clubs are an enjoyable way to enrich your student life and contribute to your social development and academic success.

• McMaster Seismic Design Team
• Earthquake Engineering Research Institute Student Chapter (EERI McMaster)
• Civil Engineering Club
• McMaster Engineering Musical
• Engineers without Borders

Career Paths

• Design and construction of buildings and infrastructure systems
• Earthquake engineering
• Environmental and water resources engineering
• Education
• Government
• Consulting
• Industry
• Construction

Research Areas

• Techniques to increase the performance of concrete, masonry and steel structures; mitigation of damage due to extreme load situations
• Sensing and automation for heavy construction; development of innovative disruptive and intelligent transportation systems.
• Watershed planning and storm water management; groundwater cleanup; energy harvesting from wastewater
• Mitigation of damage due to earthquake, blast and other extreme load situations
• Watershed planning and stormwater management
• Energy harvesting from wastewater

Education (Graduate Studies > University President)

Government (Entry Level Engineer > Agency Director)

Consulting (Entry Level Engineer > CEO/President)

Industry (Entry Level Engineer > Executive/Senior Management)

Construction (Entry Level Engineer > Executive/Senior Management)

Civil Engineering is a diverse discipline comprised of the following specialized areas:

Construction Engineering and Management

Construction is one of the largest industries in Canada.  Construction engineers and managers work in different organizations such as construction management firms, general contractors, specialty contractors, design-builders, consulting engineers, and architects and they may deal with residential, commercial, industrial, or heavy construction projects.

Environment & Water Resources Engineering

Environmental & Water Resources Engineering combines scientific principles, computer modelling and aspects of public policy to create practical solutions for improving the quality of our air, water and soil. Environmental & Water Resources engineers work within a multi-disciplinary context to design systems that minimize the use of materials, energy and water to maximize the protection of our natural ecosystems as we build our communities.

Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical Engineers are concerned with the properties and behaviour of soil and rock, flow of groundwater, as well as stability and settlement/deformation characteristics of slopes, retaining walls, and foundations.

Structural Engineering

Structural Engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction of structures of all types ranging from high rise buildings, bridges, dams, power plants, off-shore platforms, tunnels, etc. In doing so, they deal with all sorts of construction and building envelope materials including steel, concrete, masonry, wood, composites, glass, and aluminium etc. 

Transportation Engineering

Transportation Engineering is the application of science and technology in planning, design, operation and management of transportation networks for safe, timely and efficient movement of goods and people through road, rail, water and air.

Admission to Level II Engineering Programs

Admission to Level II Engineering programs requires completion of all 31 units of required Engineering I courses. Students must maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0. All programs have limited enrolment; should there be more applicants than the limiting number in any program, admission to that program will be based on the students Cumulative Grade Point Average.