Waterloo Geological Engineering (Co-op Only)
University of Waterloo
The published admission average for Geological Engineering (Co-op Only) at University of Waterloo is 83–90% for September 2027 entry, under OUAC code WWG. This program also requires a supplementary application. Applying adds a $60 program fee to the OUAC application fee.
You study how to design and build structures and systems that work with geological materials and conditions — things like dams, tunnels, foundations, and mines. Unlike pure geology, you learn practical engineering design and problem-solving alongside earth science. The co-op requirement means you alternate between school and paid work terms at engineering firms, which is how you gain hands-on experience before graduating. This program suits people who want to combine science with engineering and need real-world workplace experience built into their degree.
Plain-English summary. The universities publish requirements but not an explanation of the program, so this one is written for you and checked against the official listing above. Read the university’s own page before you decide.
Admission average
83–90%
OUAC code
WWG
First-year spaces
26
University of Waterloo publishes this as “Mid- to High 80s”
What’s the Waterloo Geological Engineering (Co-op Only) acceptance rate?
University of Waterloo doesn't publish an acceptance rate for Geological Engineering (Co-op Only), and no Ontario university publishes one for any program. What it publishes is the admission average: 83–90% for September 2027 entry. Waterloo acceptance rate, program by program
Admission requirements
- Required
- ENG4U, MCV4U, MHF4U, SCH4U, SPH4U
Waterloo’s own wording
- English (ENG4U – min. 70%)
- Advanced Functions (min. 70%)
- Calculus and Vectors (min. 70%)
- Chemistry (min. 70%)
- Physics (min. 70%)
- + 1 additional 4U/M course
- + See Ontario high school course codes.
How many other programs require these outright:
Also required
- NEW: All Engineering program applications require an online video interview. You will receive more information after you apply.
- An Admission Information Form is also required. We will send you instructions when we acknowledge your application.
- Also considered: Involvement in extracurricular activities in school or community, evidence of interest in engineering and strong performance in mathematics, science or engineering-related competitions.
What it costs
First-year tuition at Waterloo is $6,250 for an Ontario student in arts and science in 2026–27. Engineering ($14,248) and Computer Science and Data Science ($13,126) cost more. Waterloo tuition, program by program
Source: University of Waterloo on Ontario Universities’ Info. Grade ranges change year to year and are not guarantees — confirm with the university before you apply.
What this leads to
The picture for civil engineering as of 2026-08-17, not a description of this particular program.
Civil engineers design and oversee construction of infrastructure like roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings. They work as project engineers managing construction sites, structural design engineers creating plans, or transportation engineers designing transit networks.
In its favour
- Strong job security: Engineers Canada flags moderate-to-high shortage risk for civil engineers through 2033 despite near-term labour market cooling.
- Good salary growth: Starting around $60K, moving toward $120K+ in major cities as you gain experience.
- Hands-on impact: You see buildings, bridges, and systems you designed actually get built.
- Infrastructure spending tailwind: Ontario, BC, and Quebec infrastructure projects are actively hiring now.
Worth knowing
- Licensing takes time after graduation: You need 4 years of documented experience (at least 1 in Canada) plus passing the National Professional Practice Exam before you can call yourself a P.Eng. and sign off on projects independently.
- Entry-level roles are tight right now: Job vacancy rates cooled in 2025 and degree-required roles face tough competition, meaning your first job may be harder to land than it should be.
- Four years of school is just the start: Many roles still need a master's degree or advanced certifications to actually use your civil engineering degree to its full potential.
- Field work is weather-dependent and can demand long hours: Large projects require evenings and weekends to meet deadlines, and you'll spend time on construction sites in all conditions.
How AI is changing this work
AI is automating the tedious back-office work—project setup, budget tracking, documentation—not the engineering judgment itself. Design software is getting smarter (generative design, clash detection), and monitoring tools using drones and sensors are replacing manual inspections. But the construction industry has digitized slowly, so right now there is more opportunity than threat. The core skill—solving complex structural and logistical problems, managing teams, getting designs approved safely—is not being automated. You'll spend less time on paperwork and more on actual engineering decisions.
Where this came from (6 sources)
- 1. Civil Engineer Salary in Canada in 2026
- 2. 3,955 civil engineering Jobs in Canada, June 2026 | Glassdoor
- 3. 3,072 civil engineer Jobs in Canada, May 2026 | Glassdoor
- 4. 2,848 entry level civil engineer jobs in Canada, March 2026 | Glassdoor
- 5. Engineering Jobs in Canada 2026: NOC Codes, Wages, P.Eng Path
- 6. Canada’s 2025–2026 Civil Engineer Jobs: Pay, Qualifications, and Application Process – Unlock Careers in Europe
Deadline reminders
This program needs a supplementary application, and those close before the January OUAC deadline — some in early December. We’ll email you before the ones that apply to Geological Engineering (Co-op Only).
We send your email address and the programs you’ve starred, so the reminders are the right ones. Your marks and your average are never sent — they stay in this browser. Deadline emails only, a week before and the day before each date, and every one has a link to stop them.
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