Engineering (common first year)

What is Engineering (Common First Year)?

It's hard to know what type of engineering to major in without first-hand experience. That's why we offer a common first year, where you will explore various types of engineering to discover your passion. You don’t have to worry about what courses to pick when you start your engineering journey; we do that for you!  

In your first year, you will take 10 courses in design, mathematics, science and engineering principles to prepare you for what’s ahead. We create class blocks, and an advisor will assign you to a block and enroll you in the assigned courses. This gives you the benefit of sharing your classes with the same group of students, helping you form meaningful friendships with your peers. 

Why choose Engineering?

At the Schulich School of Engineering, we are fostering a learning environment driven by hands-on, experiential learning. That’s why we have created a learning space where you learn by doing, in the Schulich Studio. From lectures and tutorials to labs and collaborative opportunities, we have created a unique experience to help you reach your potential – and make the change you want to see in the world. 

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! 

Work-integrated learning

The Schulich School of Engineering is where bold ideas come to life. We prepare our engineering graduates to be the changemakers of tomorrow. You will gain real-world work experience while you learn with short- and long-term work placements available throughout your undergraduate degree with companies such as TC Energy, ATCO, Enbridge, PCL Construction, TCG Machines, Garmin.

Undergraduate students have several work-integrated learning opportunities available to them:  

Engineering Career Practicum: In your first or second year of engineering, you can begin building your career readiness through online learning and paid short-term work experiences. 

Engineering Internship Program: Gain work experience while you learn with 12 to 16 months of paid, real-world work experience after you have completed your third year. 

Engineering Mentorship Program: Connecting career-minded students, alumni & industry mentors. One of the greatest ways to enhance your professional network.  

Internationalize your degree

UCalgary encourages you to take your learning off campus by exploring one of our 200+ international opportunities. For example, the Schulich School of Engineering offers Global Experiences, where you can explore a wide array of international industry and institutional visits and learn about innovation and excellence in engineering. We encourage you to check out UCalgary’s selection of programs.  

Career opportunities

Engineering offers many rewarding disciplines and career options. Schulich alumni have enjoyed success in many areas and have become entrepreneurs, world-class researchers, professors, and even a Member of the Order of Canada. A degree in engineering can also be used as a stepping stone to graduate studies or a professional degree such as law, medicine, veterinary medicine or architecture.  

Program highlights

• Bring your ideas to life in the Schulich Studio through experiential learning and create something in our Schulich Makerspace
• Gain valuable paid work-integrated learning experience through our Engineering Career Centre  
• Participate in Global Experiences, Homes of Hope and Clubs and Teams to broaden your horizons and allow you to grow as an engineering leader and changemaker

Inspiring courses 

• ENGG 225: Fundamentals of Electrical Circuits and Machines
• ENGG 201: Behaviour of Liquids, Gasses and Solids
• ENGG 200:  Engineering Design and Innovation

Detailed course information

• Learn more about this program
• View courses for the first year
• Understand the costs to this program
• View course descriptions for all courses offered in this field