collageCivil and Environmental Engineering
Master’s, Doctoral On Campus Course Based, Thesis Based Main Campus
Important note: Application deadlines and other content on this page may be subject to updates. For current deadlines and updated versions of all information on this page, be sure to contact the department/program or access their website (see below).
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GENERAL
Degree Programs
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, incorporating the School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, offers programs of study leading to the advanced degrees of Master of Science, Master of Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy. The degree programs in the Department are organized along the traditional disciplines found in civil engineering including construction engineering and management, environmental engineering and science, geotechnical or geoenvironmental engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering and water resources engineering. In addition, candidates with strong interests in the resource extraction industries can obtain advanced degrees in mining and petroleum engineering. The Department offers a wide range of course options permitting the flexibility to arrange programs for candidates who obtained their undergraduate degree in fields other than civil engineering including students with four year science degrees. In addition to discipline specific degree programs, the Department offers an interdisciplinary degree program in Civil and Environmental Engineering that provides the opportunities for interdisciplinary study in more than one research areas.
Research
Civil and Environmental Engineering
The Department has a major research orientation. Active research areas in the Department include the following:
Civil:
Construction engineering and management with a focus on productivity improvement, computing applications including artificial intelligence, simulation modelling and information management, optimization of aggregate and concrete manufacturing, and construction planning and control; geotechnical engineering and environmental geotechniques including the study of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, foundation engineering, engineering geology, permafrost, storage, disposal, and containment of industrial wastes and pollutants and contaminated or disturbed earthy material and groundwater; structural engineering with a strong focus in the structural behaviour and design of concrete, masonry, steel and timber members and frames in addition to structural analysis and solid mechanics; transportation engineering with a focus on urban transportation planning and evaluation, sustainable transportation, traffic engineering and road safety; and water resources engineering including the study of hydraulics, hydrology, river behavior, fluid mechanics, wave dynamics and climate change, interdisciplinary research with more than one focus such as in mining and petroleum engineering, in nano-material and environmental engineering, in biomechanics and structural engineering, and in transportation pavement material and geotechnical engineering, etc.
Environmental:
Environmental engineering and science with a focus on processes in air, soil, and water; system risk assessment and public health engineering; solid waste management; environmental hydraulics; applied microbiology and parasitology; applied chemistry; mathematical modelling of environmental systems; neural network technology; industrial waste management; and disposal and fate of pollutants in the environment.
School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering
The School’s graduate degree program is operated in conjunction with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of advanced research in the resource industries. Areas of research include the following:
Mining:
Mining engineering including mineral economics, geomechanics, geostatistics, simulation of mining systems; mine planning and design; surface and underground mining equipment and methods; and mine property evaluation.
Petroleum:
Petroleum engineering including multiphase flow through porous media; immiscible, miscible and micellar flooding; heavy oil recovery using thermal energy; interfacial phenomena; pressure build-up and drawdown analysis; and mathematical simulation of petroleum recovery systems.
ENTRANCE
The Department’s minimum admission requirements are a four-year undergraduate degree with an average of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution and a TOEFL score of 90 (internet-based with at least 21 per section) or an equivalent approved English language examination where applicable (see English Language Requirement).
FINANCIAL
Financial assistance is available through the Department to students in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, tuition scholarships and a variety of awards administered by the University and affiliated institutions. Details may be found at www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca
REQUIREMENTS
- The Degree of MEng (Civil and Environmental Engineering) [Graduate]
- The MBA/MEng Joint Program (Civil and Environmental Engineering) [Graduate]
- The Degree of MSc (Civil and Environmental Engineering) [Graduate]
- The Degree of PhD (Civil and Environmental Engineering) [Graduate]
COURSES
Undergraduate and Graduate courses can be found in Civil and Environmental Courses, or Mining and Petroleum Courses.
CONTACT
Email: civeinfo@ualberta.caProgram Information:Civil and Environmental Engineering Program
NOTE: The information provided is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. Always consult the department website for the most up-to-date information.
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The Degree of MSc (Civil and Environmental Engineering) [Graduate]
Program Requirements
The Master of Science program requires a minimum of ★18 (six single-term graduate courses or equivalent), of which ★12 (four single-term courses or equivalent) should be in the candidate’s major fields of interest, ENGG 600, plus a research thesis. In some areas of specialization, an additional ★6 (two single-term courses or equivalent) more than the minimum are required. The Department will require more ★3 courses in cases where the undergraduate degree does not provide a superior background for the chosen area of specialization or in cases where the course preparation needs to be augmented to enhance the execution of the research topic.
There is no second language requirement other than English for the degree of MSc.
Length of Program
A candidate may complete a Master of Science program in 15 to 18 months. However, students often require 19 to 23 months depending on the thesis topic. The maximum time permitted for completion of the program is four years from the date of first registration.
| Print (opens a new window)Help (opens a new window)The MBA/MEng Joint Program (Civil and Environmental Engineering) [Graduate]The Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Engineering offer a program of joint study which enables students to earn both the MBA and MEng degrees after two calendar years of full-time study. Only students with an undergraduate degree in engineering are admissible to this program. For application information, entrance requirements and other details, refer to The MBA/MEng Combined Program of the University Calendar.Program RequirementsThe MBA/MEng Joint program requires 20 first-year ★1.5 MBA courses, ORG A 641, three second-year ★3 elective MBA courses, and seven ★3 graduate engineering courses, as approved by the Department, plus ENGG 600. In addition, one engineering project, equivalent to two ★3 courses and having a significant business related component, will be required. The project will be co-supervised by a professor from the Faculty of Business and a professor from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.Length of ProgramStudents will normally take the 20 first-year MBA courses in their first two semesters. The program can be completed in two calendar years if students are enrolled on a full-time basis. The duration of the total program must not exceed six consecutive calendar years. |
| Print (opens a new window)Help (opens a new window)The Degree of MEng (Civil and Environmental Engineering) [Graduate]Program RequirementsThe Master of Engineering is a course-based degree program that requires a minimum of ★24 (eight single-term graduate courses or equivalent), of which ★15 (five single-term courses or equivalent) should be in the candidate’s major field of interest, ENGG 600 plus a project that is equivalent to ★3. In some areas of specialization, an additional ★6 (two single-term courses or equivalent) more than the minimum are required. The Department will require more ★3 courses in cases where the undergraduate degree does not provide a superior background for the chosen area of specialization. There is no second language requirement other than English for the degree of MEng. Length of ProgramCandidates may complete the Master of Engineering program in a minimum of nine months. The maximum time permitted for completion of the program is four years from the date of first registration. |
ow to Apply
General Information
The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and the School of Mining & Petroleum Engineering offers three different graduate programs. Additional information on each of our programs can be found here.
- Master of Science (MSc) – Thesis based, Supervisor is required
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Thesis based, Supervisor is required
- Master of Engineering (MEng) – Course-based, no Supervisor required.
We thank all of those interested in pursuing their Graduate Studies at the University of Alberta with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering.
Given the large volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide updates or feedback for individual applications. Incomplete applications, those missing required documents, or those received after the application deadline will not be considered. Questions about the application process can be sent to civilgradapps@ualberta.ca.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please do not use the MESSAGING tool in the FGSR GSMS portal as this department does not use that tool.
Instructions for Completing Your Application
Please read the instructions carefully as requirements vary between programs.
Thesis Based Programs (MSc/PhD)
Step 1 – Identify and Contact Potential Supervisor
All potential applicants for thesis-based programs are required to identify a potential Supervisor who will support their application. An application cannot proceed without a potential supervisor to support your application. Please review our Research Areas to learn more about our Faculty members and their research areas. You will need to contact professors directly. It is recommended you provide a “letter of interest” and updated Curriculum Vitae to prospective Supervisors. A suggested template for the “letter of interest” can be found here.
Once you have found a potential supervisor who has agreed to support your application, you may proceed to Step 2. The potential supervisor must send you an “Expression of Interest” letter or email to include as a supporting document in your application.
Step 2 – Apply through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) Graduate Studies Management Solution (GSMS) Portal
Create an application in the FGSR GSMS application system, using the “Apply now” button at the bottom of the page. Applicants must ensure that they review both Department and FGSR application requirements to confirm they meet minimum application requirements. Applications require a $135 CAD non-refundable application fee.
Step 3 – Submitting Documents
Please review the required documents for your application. All documents are to be uploaded directly to the FGSR web application. When uploading documents please ensure that the documents are uploaded to the correct field.
All reference letters are requested within the web application itself. Please refer to FGSR GSMS Portal to check the status of your documents as well as to check to see what is missing or what is required. Click on Show Details once in the portal, and it will show exactly what is pending and what has been received. You will be able to upload any additional documents by visiting the FGSR GSMS Portal.
References should show as reference submitted. If a reference is showing as email sent the reference has not yet been received to the portal.
The department does not notify applicants with regard to missing documents, so please check the FGSR GSMS Portal on a regular basis. No files will be reviewed until all documents have been uploaded.
Please do not send any documents by mail to the department. Hardcopies are only provided if you are specifically asked to send hardcopies by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research if admitted. Do not refer Bear Tracks anytime during the application stage as the information there is not accurate. Always refer to the FGSR GSMS Portal login.
Step 4 – Final Decision
Once the application is complete, it will go for review. Once a decision has been reached the applicant will be notified through the FGSR GSMS Portal with the decision. Applicants for the thesis-based programs will be notified of decision on a rolling basis.
Applicants who are ADMITTED must refer to the FGSR GSMS Portal to retrieve their admission letter, and to either accept or refuse the admission offer. The offer is only finalized once it has been accepted by the applicant.
Course Based Program (MEng)
Step 1 – Apply through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) Graduate Studies Management Solution (GSMS) Portal
Create an application in the FGSR GSMS Portal, using the “Apply now” button at the bottom of the page. Applicants must ensure that they review both Department and FGSR application requirements to confirm they meet minimum application requirements. Applications require a $135 CAD non-refundable application fee.
Step 2 – Submitting Documents
Please review the required documents for your application. All documents are to be uploaded directly to the FGSR GSMS Portal. When uploading documents please ensure that the documents are uploaded to the correct field.
All reference letters are requested within the web application itself. Please refer to FGSR GSMS Portal to check the status of your documents as well as to check to see what is missing or what is required. Click on Show Details once in the portal, and it will show exactly what is pending and what has been received. You will be able to upload any additional documents by visiting the FGSR GSMS Portal.
References should show as reference submitted. If a reference is showing as email sent the reference has not yet been received to the portal.
The department does not notify applicants with regard to missing documents, so please check the FGSR GSMS Portal on a regular basis. No files will be reviewed until all documents have been uploaded.
Please do not send any documents by mail to the department. Hardcopies are only provided if you are specifically asked to send hardcopies by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research if admitted. Do not refer Bear Tracks anytime during the application stage as the information there is not accurate. Always refer to the FGSR GSMS Portal login.
Step 3 – Final Decision
Once the application is complete, it will go for review. Once a decision has been reached the applicant will be notified through the FGSR GSMS Portal with the decision. Applicants for the MEng program will be notified of the result by May.
Applicants who are ADMITTED must refer to the FGSR GSMS Portal to retrieve their admission letter, and to either accept or refuse the admission offer. The offer is only finalized once it has been accepted by the applicant.
***Please be advised that the MEng Program is highly competitive. Our cutoff GPA is often higher than the minimum FGSR entrance requirement of 3.0.***
Admission Requirements
The graduate programs we offer provide our students with exceptional opportunities for career advancement. Many of the world’s great minds are U of A graduates including Canadian Prime Ministers and Nobel Prize winners.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research sets a minimum academic standard for admission for both Canadian and international applicants. Please review the general admission protocol as set by FGSR.
The minimum admission requirement for the Department:
GPA
- A baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from an accredited academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta.
- 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on the most recent two-years of full-time study (or equivalent) (MSc Program)
- 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale on the most recent two-years of full-time study (or equivalent) (MEng Program)
- 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale on the most recent two-years of full-time study (or equivalent) (PhD Program)
- English Language Proficiency
Please be advised that all programs, especially the MEng Program, are highly competitive. In particular for the MEng program, the Department’s cutoff GPA is often higher than the minimum requirement of 3.0.
International applicants can refer to the minimum academic requirements.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
English is the primary language of instruction and communication at UAlberta. All applicants
must be proficient in English prior to admission.
International applicants must be able to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the time of
application.
Proficiency is demonstrated by:
- Possession of a degree or its academic equivalent from an institution recognized by the
University of Alberta and where the language of instruction is English. Proof that the
instruction for the degree was in English will be required (see Recognized English
Language Countries/Institutions);
OR - A satisfactory score on one of the approved English language examinations
GRE is NOT required nor is it used in the evaluation process.
Some institutions are exempt from the English language test, pleaser refer to the English language exemption list.
Application Document Deadlines
PLEASE NOTE UPDATED DEADLINES FOR THE M.ENG. PROGRAM (updated February 12, 2021)
The application deadlines indicate the date when completed applications must be submitted to the Graduate Studies Management Solution (GSMS) Portal. This includes letters of reference. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their references submit their reference letters prior to the stated deadlines. Applications must have all required Supporting Documents prior to the deadline to be considered.
MSc/PhD (Thesis-Based) Application Deadlines
Fall Admission (September):
- Canadian Students: May 15
- International Students: April 15
Winter Admission (January):
- Canadian Students: September 15
- International Students: July 15
Applicants will be notified on an on-going basis.
MEng (Course-Based) Application Deadlines
Fall Admission (September):
- Canadian Students: July 15
- International Students: March 1
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and submit any required documentation well in advance of the deadlines.
Applicants will be notified of the results by May.
Winter Admission (January):
There is no Winter Admission to the MEng program at this time.
Supporting Documents
All supporting documents are uploaded directly to the FGSR GSMS Portal.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY DOCUMENTS by MAIL to the department. Hardcopies are only provided if you are specifically asked to send hardcopies by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research if admitted. Do not refer Bear Tracks at the application review stage, as the information is not accurate. Always refer to your FGSR GSMS Portal login: https://graduate-studies-apply.ualberta.ca/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn
Documents to be uploaded to web application:
- Transcripts (Please refer to FGSR’s Application Requirements for Academic Documents for complete details and to notes below)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Expression of Interest (letter/email) from Potential Supervisor (MSc and PhD ONLY)
- Statement of Purpose (PhD ONLY)
- Three (3) academic references are required from academic staff members capable of assessing the applicant’s academic and research ability. At least two academic references are mandatory and a maximum of one (1) professional (work) reference is allowed. References are requested via the web application by the applicant and are uploaded directly to the application by the referee. No hardcopies are required. Students who are graduating from the UofA do not have to provide the references.
- Official English Language Proficiency scores (if applicable) such as TOEFL (Academic), IELTS (Academic), MELAB, PTE or CAEL. See FGSR’s ELP requirement. The GRE is NOT required nor is it used in the evaluation process.
International applicants should refer to the International Admissions Protocol link.
Canadian applicants should refer to the Canadian Admissions Protocol link.
If your previous education was completed in China, both the Degree Certificate and the Graduation Certificate are required.
Contact us
Engineering at Alberta
Prospective and Incoming Students:
Email: engginfo@ualberta.ca
Undergraduate Student Services:
Email: enggadvising@ualberta.ca
Phone: 780-492-3320
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, 9211 116 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 1H9
collage