Complementary Studies (COST)

A requirement of the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board.

The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) of Engineers Canada requires that an accredited undergraduate engineering degree program must include a minimum of one half-year of Complementary Studies (COST) which appropriately complement the technical content of the engineering curriculum. To fulfill this requirement, CEAB Criteria for Accreditation require studies in the following:

  • Subject matter that deals with the humanities and social sciences

  • Oral and written communications

  • Professionalism, ethics, equity and law

  • The impact of engineering on society

  • Health and safety

  • Sustainable development and environmental stewardship

  • Engineering economics and project management

For more information on accreditation of engineering education in Canada, visit the Engineers Canada website.

Complementary Studies (COST) roadmap

Here's how to fill your 6 half-course requirements.

COST option 1

One half-course or the equivalent selected from the "Acceptable Courses" list. These meet the CEAB humanities and social sciences requirement.

View acceptable course options

COST option 2

A second half-course or the equivalent selected from the "Acceptable Courses" list. 

 

View acceptable course options

Engineering Economics

Not open to first-year students.

 

 

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Oral and Written Communications

Not open to first-year students.

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Technology and Society

Not open to first-year students.
 

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Engineering Profession

Taken in the fourth or final year of most programs.

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