Multiple paths, one destination

Not sure what kind of engineer you want to be? Not a problem. The Price Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba (UM) offers a wide range of programs, each with its own set of unique pathways to help you find your fit. Engineering students at UM have an entire year before applying to their department of choice. This preliminary year allows first-year students to take introductory courses across disciplines, giving them the chance to discover which areas align best with their interests and strengths.

The Price Faculty of Engineering consists of the following undergraduate programs of study:

• Biosystems Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Once students enroll into a program, they have the option to customize their education by selecting from a variety of electives. These focused pathways allow students to either concentrate in a specific area or build a broad and flexible skill set by mixing electives across multiple disciplines. Since engineering is inherently multidisciplinary, students are constantly collaborating with peers from different programs and gaining exposure to different perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

In addition to the traditional curriculum, students can gain valuable real-world experience through the Co-operative Education and Industrial Internship Program (Co-op/IIP). The program offers 4, 8, 12, or 16-month paid work terms with industry partners, giving students the chance to apply their knowledge in professional settings and explore potential career paths. To help students feel confident and prepared, the Co-op/IIP office provides resume support, mock interviews and personalized feedback. Students also have access to engineering-specific job postings through UMConnect, the university’s internal job board, which streamlines the job application process and eliminates the need to scour the internet for job vacancies. Career fairs are also held throughout the year, helping students build connections and meet employers face to face.  

After graduating, many students go on to receive full-time offers from the companies where they completed their co-op terms. These opportunities stem from the strong relationships and practical experience gained during their placements. The program also allows students to work across a variety of industries, helping them discover which field best aligns with their lifestyle, skillset and long-term career goals.

Students aren’t expected to have everything figured out from day one. Engineering programs give them time to explore and discover their strengths. Along the way, they can find what truly interests them — whether that’s designing prosthetics, building autonomous robots, working on aerospace systems, or using artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems. Students are strongly encouraged to connect with their Academic Advisors early on for guidance about their degree. Regular check-ins help them stay on track and make informed decisions as they move through their program. Advisors can also provide up-to-date information on course requirements, degree timelines and help students choose electives that align with their interests and future goals.

There is no single path to becoming an engineer, and the curriculum is designed to reflect that. The faculty offers high-level education across a diverse set of disciplines. This allows students to pursue a wide variety of goals and interests. If you are curious about where each path can lead, the sections below highlight the departments and pathways available to help guide your journey.

Biosystems Engineering

Biosystems engineering combines engineering with biology. The program empowers students to create solutions in areas like sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and healthcare technology. It is for those who want to use technology to make a real and lasting difference. Students in the program can tailor their experience by pursuing the following areas:

• Biomedical: Combines engineering with human anatomy and physiology to support the development of biomedical healthcare and technologies.
• Bioresource: Focuses on the sustainable production of food, bio-based products and renewable energy.
• Environmental: Prepares students to address issues such as soil contamination, air and water pollution and environmental impact assessments related to human activity.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers plan, design, build and maintain essential infrastructure like roads, buildings and water systems which keep communities safe and accessible. This program is ideal for students who enjoy structural manufacturing and analysis that improve how communities live, move and grow. Students in the program can tailor their learning by pursuing the following areas:

• Environmental and Water Resources: Focuses on the design and management of water treatment, distribution and drainage.
• Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental: Covers the engineering of structures that interact with soil and earth materials, such as foundations, dams, slopes and flood protection systems.
• Structures and Construction: Involves the analysis, design and construction of buildings and infrastructure. This focus area integrates construction management, material science and virtual design tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM).
• Transportation: Revolves around the planning and operation of transportation systems such as roads, highways, railways and airports. Students gain expertise in traffic engineering, road safety and infrastructure management. 

Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering blends hardware and software to design the systems behind everything — from smart devices  to robots, medical devices and AI. With technology evolving at a rapid pace, this program prepares students to enter a growing industry where innovation never stops. It is a great fit for those who have an interest in coding, robotics and designing intelligent systems. Students in the program can tailor their experience by pursuing the following areas:

• Biomedical: Focuses on developing technologies that improve health and medicine, from biosensors to advanced imaging systems.
• Computer Networks & Communications: Covers how devices communicate, including satellites, mobile networks and large-scale computing systems.
• Embedded Systems: Specializes in computers built into everyday objects like wearables, cameras and home security systems, with a focus on algorithms.
• Entrepreneurship: Combines technical knowledge with business fundamentals, preparing students to be self-employed and launch their own startups.  
• Mechatronics: Integrates mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to design systems for automation, robotics and control technologies.
• Software Engineering: Focuses on building reliable, efficient software for everything from mobile apps to critical systems in aerospace. 

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering at UM covers everything from power grids and renewable energy systems to microchips and wireless communication. If you are excited by the idea of building circuits, soldering components and designing power systems for modern electronics, this program is a great fit for you. Students in the program can pursue the following areas:

• Biomedical Engineering: Integrates engineering with biology and medicine to develop technologies that improve human health. From creating biomedical sensors that monitor cell health to developing advanced imaging systems for diagnostics, students gain a strong foundation in both engineering and biomedical science.
• Communication Devices: Communication systems are the backbone of modern connectivity—from mobile networks and radar systems to deep space communication. This area focuses on the theory and application of technologies such as antennas, cell towers and signal processing, with a goal of improving reliability, speed and security.
• Engineering Physics: This focus area focuses on cutting-edge technologies rooted in physics, such as optics, lasers, nanotechnology and solid-state devices. Students gain a deep understanding of the physical principles behind systems like LiDAR, optical imaging (OCT) and next-gen processors.
• Entrepreneurship: Engineers often create solutions with commercial potential. This area equips students with business fundamentals, empowering them to transform their ideas into startups or pursue innovation-driven roles. It ss ideal for those considering launching a venture now or in the future.
• Mechatronics: Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to develop intelligent systems in areas like robotics, automation and smart devices. Students learn to design and implement integrated systems that sense, compute and act.
• Power and Energy Systems: Focuses on the generation, transmission, distribution, storage and control of electrical energy. Students learn how to design energy systems that are efficient, sustainable and capable of supporting modern society’s power demands, including renewable energy integration. 

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering involves the design of machines and systems used in areas such as robotics, automated manufacturing, aerospace, industrial equipment and consumer products. This program is a great fit for students who are hands-on and want to understand how things work. Students can tailor their learning by pursuing the following areas:

• Aerospace: Focuses on the design of aircraft and spacecraft, including propulsion systems, aerodynamics and structural performance.
• Manufacturing: Focuses on the design, optimization and implementation of manufacturing processes, including advanced techniques such as additive manufacturing, robotics and automated production systems.
• Materials: Examines how to select, test and engineer materials such as metals, composites and polymers for use in structural applications, mechanical systems and advanced manufacturing.
• Solid Mechanics: Explores how forces affect materials and structures, using analytical methods and simulation software to ensure that designs can withstand stress, motion and potential failure.
• Thermofluids: Focuses on energy transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, with applications in engines, HVAC and renewable energy systems.