Civil Engineering - Science, Society and Policy University of Ottawa

Overview

The Civil Engineering - Science, Society and Policy programme at the University of Ottawa provides a unique interdisciplinary platform for students to master technical engineering skills alongside policy analysis. This collaborative master's level specialisation is designed to address the complex challenges at the interface of scientific innovation and public decision-making. Students gain the essential tools to evaluate how evidence is utilised in governance and how current policies influence the scientific enterprise.

Delivered through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Civil Engineering, this programme leverages the combined resources and research strengths of both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

Why Civil Engineering - Science, Society and Policy at the University of Ottawa?

The University of Ottawa offers a distinctive advantage through its location in Canada’s capital, providing proximity to federal policy-making bodies and national research institutions. The collaborative nature of the programme allows students to specialise in science and innovation policy while maintaining a rigorous focus on primary engineering research. This dual focus prepares graduates to navigate the ethical, social, and political dimensions of technological advancement in the civil engineering sector.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 10502 per semester
• National fee: CAD 3154 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Decision at the Interface of Science and Policy
• Construction Equipment Management
• Hydraulic Structures
• Coastal Engineering
• Structural Dynamics
• Theory of Elasticity
• Prestressed Concrete Design
• Wind Engineering
• Earthquake Engineering

Careers with Civil Engineering - Science, Society and Policy

Graduates are well-equipped for professional roles that require a sophisticated understanding of both technical engineering and public policy. Potential career paths include positions within government regulatory agencies, environmental consultancy firms, and international development organisations. The programme prepares individuals to serve as policy analysts, project managers, or research leads who can effectively communicate scientific data to stakeholders and decision-makers in the public and private sectors.