Civil Engineering and Society – Faculty of Engineering

Civil Engineering and Society

Delve into planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining sustainable infrastructure, while exploring the human aspects of engineering and the intricate relationship between technology and society.

Length
5 years
Degree
Bachelor of Engineering & Society (Co-op Available)
Program
Engineering
Options

Co-op

Program highlights

This program shapes resourceful engineers with a multidisciplinary outlook, focusing on the culture, history, and social aspects of technology, alongside civil engineering’s role in shaping interactions between people and their built and natural environments. It emphasizes designing critical societal facilities, using a blend of established theories, techniques, and emerging technologies for complex problem-solving.

Engineering and Society advantage

Core courses include:

  • The Culture of Technology
  • Case Studies in the History of Technology
  • Preventive Engineering: Environmental Perspectives
  • Social Control of Technology

In addition, three courses called Inquiry in an Engineering Context, develop skill at formulating questions, carrying out research and communicating findings. These courses help to examine the complex nature of issues like sustainable development and systems failure.

Learn more about Engineering and Society

Admission requirements

Academic Prerequisites

This is an above level 1 specialization that requires successful completion of the Engineering 1 general first year.

Use the Future Students admissions tool for entry requirements.

How to Apply Civil Engineering and Society degree requirements (Opens in new window)
Students examining solar cell material

Your first year

All students in McMaster’s undergraduate engineering program share a common first-year, Engineering 1.

Engineering 1 provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of engineering disciplines. Students take real problems in society and learn the technical and teamwork skills to solve them.

Explore all of our degree path options before choosing a focus discipline for second year and beyond.
Explore Engineering 1
Female student in Chem Eng Lab

Specializations

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

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.

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 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 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 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.

Student working on machine. Hands-on experience.

Co-op and experiential learning

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

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 Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) administers the undergraduate co-op program.

Example employers:

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

Learn more about co-op.

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

Browse opportunities to get involved and gain experience.

Engineering programs have been enriched with interdisciplinary design courses, enabling students to work in teams on real-world problems. This practical experience builds their portfolios and hones skills vital for managing complex projects and utilizing emerging technologies. It prepares them for co-ops and future careers, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and an understanding of societal issues.

Four project-based design courses that all students take include:

  • ENGINEER 1P13: Integrated Cornerstone Design Projects in Engineering
  • ENGINEER 2PX3: Engineering Design 2: Communications and Societal Impact
  • ENGINEER 3PX3: Engineering Design 2: Engineering Economics
  • CAPSTONE

Find out more

Explore the experiences catalogue

Careersand research

Example 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

Need moreinformation?

How to apply

Understand every step, from applying, to accepting your offer and joining us on campus!

How to apply

Department of Civil Engineering

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