Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Systems Engineering
Engineering for the planet, and for the future
About the program
With all eyes on a cleaner, healthier future this program in sustainable systems engineering is an innovative learning path that will appeal to a broad range of students wishing to pursue an engineering career in a world that is increasingly environmentally aware.
Sustainable systems engineering is a technical, transdisciplinary field focusing on how to design, integrate, and manage complex systems over their life cycles, with a goal of environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The program focuses on sustainably engineered systems and integrates material from a number of engineering disciplines (civil, chemical, mechanical, geomatics, software and electrical), as well as science, indigenous studies, agriculture, and business.
The BSc in Sustainable Systems Engineering program has a common first year, which consists of 10 courses in mathematics, sciences, computing, engineering principles, communications and design. A design backbone throughout the program will form critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and provide opportunities to interact with local industry and researchers in many different fields of study. Most courses have hands-on experiential laboratory sessions to reinforce concepts taught in lectures. Leadership development is fostered through open-ended projects and group work.
Find out more
More details about admissions, budgeting and how to apply are available on the UCalgary Future Students program description.
Optional minors
Engineers Canada wants well-rounded engineering graduates. Learn about Complementary Studies now!
Through the identification and definition of problems at the system level, at the intersection of technology, society, and environment, we can work together to identify technical solutions that move these shared systems towards sustainability.
Jeff LaFrenz, BSc'85, MSc'88
President, VizworX Inc.
Career pathways
The multidisciplinary character of the Sustainable Systems Engineering program will train graduates to be professional and versatile and, thus, well-placed in a modern and diverse economy.
Upon graduation, students may find themselves in a number of careers related to cleantech, including renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal); green communities and infrastructure; sustainable design; sustainable food, agriculture, and biomass solutions; supply chain management; and public utility analysis and regulation.
An academic path that works
Our students follow a tried and true educational path. This includes a common first year, an internship opportunity after year three and an exciting design project to cap things off.
Common 1st year
Undergraduate students spend their first year learning about the broad world of engineering. From there, they focus their studies on a specific engineering discipline for the remainder of their degree.
Choose a major
In their second year of studies, undergraduate students begin taking courses in their major. These programs include: biomedical, chemical, civil, electrical, engineering physics, geomatics, mechanical, software and sustainable systems engineering.
Internship
Between their third and fourth year, students can apply to do an internship. These paid work experiences range from 12 to 16 months. For students interested in international internships, one in 15 intern abroad.
Design project
During their fourth year of study, students undertake a team design project. Many work with an industry partner. Together, they develop well-researched and tested solutions to real-world challenges.
Earn an engineering degree and a business degree
Are you torn between choosing an engineering or business education? At the University of Calgary you can simultaneously complete a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Commerce in five years. This unique program is offered in partnership with the Haskayne School of Business.
Undergraduate admission enquiries
Engineering Student Centre
Mailing address:
ENC 205, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Street address:
622 Collegiate Place NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4V8
Campus location:
Canadian Natural Resources Limited Engineering Complex (EN)
403.220.5732
engginfo@ucalgary.ca