Why study Civil Engineering at Dal?

Transform communities

One of the oldest of engineering professions, Civil Engineers are responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of our ever-changing world. From the physical to the naturally built environment, Civil Engineers are dynamic professionals who build infrastructure such as highways, bridges, marine structures, residential and commercial buildings, water treatment solutions, and more.

Our program culminates with design experience, with an emphasis on problem formulation, alternative investigation, system and element-level design, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The combination of fundamental knowledge and skills, together with an awareness of the context and impact of engineering work, provides our graduates with a platform to launch careers in a broad range of areas within the discipline of Civil Engineering.

Degree overview

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Engineering, BEng
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering; Faculty of Agriculture
Department: Department of Civil and Resource Engineering
Campuses: Sexton Campus, Halifax; Agricultural Campus, Truro
Program Length: 4 years non co-op program. 5 years co-op program
Program Start: September & January



What will I learn?

In the first two years of your degree, all engineering students complete the Core Engineering Program. This Program can be taken on the Sexton Campus in Halifax, or the Agricultural Campus in Truro. You will study core courses in math, science, engineering science and design, providing you with a broad foundation in engineering.

At the end of your first year, you can apply to one of our six tailored engineering disciplinesincluding Civil Engineering. Placement in a specific discipline is competitive and based on academic performance in the first year.

In the third year of your degree, you will transition into your discipline and can choose to combine your degree with co-operative education.

Our Civil Engineering program covers basics and fundamentals in sub-disciplines of Civil Engineering (i.e. environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation and water resources engineering). We strive to maintain a balance between classroom lectures and active learning laboratory components. Students will learn how to design buildings, bridges, roads, water and sewerage systems, dams, traffic systems, environmental infrastructure and much more. Students can obtain certificates in Structural, Geotechnical, Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. We are home to some of the top researchers in these areas in the country.   

Areas of Study:

  • Structural Analysis and Design Principles
  • Transportation Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Foundation Design 
  • Design of Concrete Structures
  • Design of Steel Structures 
  • Design of Timber Structures
  • Design of Special Structures
  • Municipal Water Engineering
  • Hydraulics Engineering
  • Coastal Hydrogeology
  • Water and Soil Quality 
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment 
  • Waste Management 


Careers and future study

A degree in Engineering from Dal gives you the knowledge and skills you need to be highly employable in a wide variety of areas, whether you decide to launch your career locally, nationally or internationally. The range of career options you’ll find in engineering is truly impressive. Here are just a few of the jobs that our grads have undertaken:

  • Structural Engineer
  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Transportation Engineer
  • Water Resource Engineer
  • Water & Wastewater Engineer
  • Construction Engineer

Civil Engineering is one of the most versatile disciplines for finding a career post graduation. The employment rate for civil engineers is high, with jobs available in consulting and contracting engineering firms as well as construction companies. You could also find yourself based within local or central government.  

Graduating from Dalhousie is the first step towards becoming a professional engineer and the beginning of a lifelong learning experience. After earning your Bachelor of Engineering, you will need to be admitted as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by an Association of Professional Engineers in Canada.

Once you have completed four years of suitable work experience, you may apply to become a professional engineer.



Admission requirements

Undergraduate admission requirements vary based on your previous education and your intended program of study at Dalhousie. Learn about our admissions requirements, book a campus tour, or connect with an advisor if you have questions about your eligibility for admission.

View admission requirements



Ready to apply?