Overview

The Environmental Engineering program at the University of Victoria is offered through the Department of Civil Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. It focuses on designing sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, including water and wastewater treatment, air quality management, waste minimization, and remediation of contaminated sites. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining engineering principles with environmental science to address global issues like climate change and resource conservation.

Unique features include a mandatory co-operative education (co-op) component, providing students with up to 20 months of paid work experience, and opportunities for research in areas such as coastal engineering and renewable energy integration. The curriculum integrates hands-on projects and field studies, preparing students for real-world applications.

Career Prospects

Graduates are well-positioned for roles in environmental consulting, government agencies, and industry, with strong demand in sustainable development sectors. The program's co-op experience enhances employability, leading to careers that contribute to environmental policy, infrastructure design, and pollution control.

Key Faculty and Staff

The program is led by faculty experts in environmental fluid mechanics, geotechnical engineering, and sustainable materials. Notable involvement includes researchers from the Civil Engineering department who collaborate on projects with organizations like the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions.

Unique Facilities and Partnerships

Students have access to specialized facilities such as the Environmental Engineering Laboratory for water quality analysis and the Coastal Engineering Laboratory for hydraulic modeling. Partnerships with local governments, such as the Capital Regional District, and industry leaders provide practical training and research opportunities in British Columbia's environmental sector.