MEng: BEST Program
We are excited to announce the launch of the Master of Engineering (MEng) in Building Envelopes and Structures (BEST) — the first of its kind in North America!
Launching in September 2025, this 12-month program, with an optional 8-month co-op work term, offers students the chance to specialize at the forefront of building envelope design and structural engineering. The program is designed to tackle critical challenges in the construction industry, particularly those related to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Program Structure:
- Minimum 15 units required (12 units from coursework, 3 from the project).
- Entry points: January/September.
- Program length: 1 year, plus optional co-op work terms (8-month maximum co-op).
Curriculum:
- 6 core courses
- 2 elective courses
- 1 mandatory 8-month project
Research and Experiential Learning:
- Research-enriched learning through the mandatory project.
- Optional co-op offers additional experiential learning opportunities.
- New engineering expansion buildings will be used for case studies and experiments.
Calendar Disclaimer
The Calendar is the official guide to all programs, courses, services and regulations of the University. If there is any discrepancy between our website and the Calendar, the information in the Calendar is authoritative.
To view the MEng-BEST calendar entry, click here.
Core Courses
Fall Term |
CIVE 551 - Advanced Building Envelope Design |
CIVE 557 - Behaviour and Design of Steel Structures |
Spring Term |
CIVE 524 - Building Science Case Studies |
CIVE 558 - Timber Structures |
Summer Term |
CIVE 556 - Advanced Concrete Technology |
CIVE 571 - Engineering Engagement in Projects and Communities |
Elective Courses
Two courses selected from the following:
CIVE 412 - Infrastructure Engineering for Indigenous Communities |
CIVE 420 - Advanced Mechanics of Solids |
CIVE 421 - Advanced Structural Analysis |
CIVE 450 - Green Building Design |
CIVE 453 - Building Energy Simulation |
CIVE 470 - Case Studies in Construction Management |
CIVE 485 - Foundation Engineering |
CIVE 523 - Composite Structures |
CIVE 522 - Finite Element Method |
CIVE 553 - Advanced Mechanics of Materials |
CIVE 554 - Sustainable Infrastructure and Non-Destructive Health Monitoring |
CIVE 555 - Dynamics of Structures and Earthquake Engineering |
CIVE 586 - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering |
CIVE 587 - Numerical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering |
CIVE 580 - Special Topics (to be approved by program director and supervisor) |
CIVE 590 - Directed Studies (to be approved by program director and supervisor) |
Mandatory Project and Optional Co-op
CIVE 598 |
Supervised project on Building Envelopes and/or Structures.The topic of the project and the supervisor to be be selected by the end of the first term of enrollment. |
Co-op Program |
Optional: Up to 8-month co-op placement (additional co-op fee will apply). Students can graduate after completion of coursework and the mandatory project. |
Remedial Courses
Remedial courses are available for students needing to strengthen fundamental engineering knowledge (require approval from the Program Director and Supervisor):
CIVE 250 - Structural Analysis |
CIVE 270 - Construction and Project Management |
CIVE 352 - Reinforced Concrete Structural Design |
CIVE 351 - Design of Steel and Timber Structures |
CIVE 385 - Geotechnical Engineering |
Faculty and Focus
Dr. Ralph Evins - Building Energy
Dr. Thomas Froese - Project Management
Dr. Rishi Gupta - Construction Materials
Dr. Cheng Lin - Geotechnical & Foundation Engineering
Dr. Sardar Malek - Mechanics & Structural Analysis
Dr. Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya - Building Envelopes & Structural Design
Dr. Min Sun - Structural Analysis & Design
Dr. Lina Zhou - Structural Design & Analysis
Admissions
Admission Requirements:
Students to be admitted to the MEng-BEST program will primarily have bachelor’s degrees in civil/mechanical engineering, or other related areas of engineering or science (e.g., architecture, aerospace, applied mechanics, environmental, physics, (etc.). Students from other disciplines such as city planning, forestry/timber engineering, (etc.), may also be eligible if they have suitable work experience and technical/mathematical skills.
Applications:
September 2025 intake application end date:
June 30 for both international and domestic students
January 2026 intake application end date:
August 31 for international students, and
October 31 for domestic students
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis in the order they are received; therefore, we encourage applicants to apply early. International students, note that processing times for study permits vary and you must have a valid permit to start your program.
Now accepting applications through The Application Portal.
The MEng-BEST program combines state-of-the-art research and industry applications, equipping graduates with the knowledge and expertise to lead in the evolving fields of sustainable construction and advanced engineering solutions.
We invite you to take part in this innovative program and stay ahead in your career.