Civil Engineering Carleton University

Overview

The Civil Engineering programme at Carleton University provides students with the opportunity to engage in high-level research and advanced coursework within a leading North American engineering hub. This curriculum is designed to address contemporary challenges in the built environment, ranging from the development of autonomous vehicle infrastructure to the implementation of 3D printing in large-scale construction projects.

Students can choose between a research-focused thesis path or a practical course-based route, allowing for customisation based on individual career goals. The programme also offers a dedicated focus on climate change, ensuring that graduates are prepared to design resilient infrastructure that can withstand evolving environmental pressures and multi-hazard scenarios.

Why Civil Engineering at Carleton University?

A primary advantage of studying at this institution is the partnership through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Civil Engineering. This collaboration grants students seamless access to faculty, diverse course catalogues, and specialised laboratory facilities at both Carleton and the University of Ottawa, significantly broadening the scope of available resources.

The university’s strategic location in Canada’s capital provides a unique "Capital Advantage," offering proximity to prestigious federal government laboratories. Researchers often collaborate with organisations such as Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada, gaining exposure to national-level projects and professional networking opportunities that are unavailable elsewhere.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 33332 per year
• National fee: CAD 9677 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of modern engineering disciplines, focusing on safety, sustainability, and technological integration. Modules may include:

• Environmental Engineering
• Fire Safety Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering
• Climate Change
• Advanced Dynamic Computer Modelling

Careers with Civil Engineering

Graduates are equipped to take on leadership roles in the design, management, and protection of vital infrastructure. The programme prepares professionals for careers involving the assessment of historic buildings, the development of explosion-resistant structures, and the integration of drone technology for geotechnical surveys.

Common career paths include roles in structural design, transportation planning, and environmental consultancy. Many alumni find success within federal government departments, international engineering firms, and private construction corporations, focusing on the safety and comfort of public travel and workspace systems.