SUSE Orientation 2023 at Highfield Regenerative Farm

Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Systems Engineering

Engineering for the planet, and for the future

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.

Hear from our faculty and students about how the Sustainable Systems Engineering program takes a multidisciplinary approach to environmental, economic and social sustainability by focusing on creating a cleaner, healthier future for all.

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Guaranteed program placement

We offer guaranteed first choice of program to students who successfully complete all 10 technical common-core courses in their first year. No need to apply to enter the engineering discipline you want to pursue - the choice is yours.

Digital Engineering

This minor allows you to develop some software engineering and coding skills while pursuing a non-software engineering major. Students learn about artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things and more.

Program details

Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development

This joint program with the Haskayne School of Business helps students build entrepreneurial skills. They learn the principles and practices of developing new ventures and managing small- to medium-sized companies.

Program details

Management and Society

This program teaches students about the role of management in our institutions and society. Engineering students learn how to apply managerial skills in a business environment.

Program details

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.

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.

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.

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.