Faculty of Engineering

About Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering at Lakehead University is an academic division located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, with an additional campus presence in Barrie, Ontario. Established alongside the growth of the university in the mid-20th century, the faculty provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional engineering education. Lakehead University’s engineering programs operate under the jurisdiction of the Province of Ontario and adhere to Canadian post-secondary education standards. The faculty serves local, national, and international students seeking degrees in core engineering disciplines, integrating practical technical training with theoretical instruction.

The faculty offers undergraduate Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree programs in several major fields, including Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Software Engineering. In addition to standard four-year degree paths, the institution is known for its college transfer program, which allows graduates of recognized engineering technology diploma programs to transition into the BEng program after completing a summer bridge program. At the graduate level, the Faculty of Engineering offers Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering, Master of Engineering (MEng), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees across various specializations, providing pathways for advanced research and professional practice.

Accreditation for the undergraduate engineering programs at Lakehead University is granted by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), which operates under the auspices of Engineers Canada. CEAB accreditation ensures that the curriculum meets the academic requirements needed for graduates to register as Professional Engineers (P.Eng.) through provincial licensing bodies, such as Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). The faculty’s engineering technology programs, integrated into the early years of the undergraduate curriculum, also align with national technology standards, enabling students to earn a diploma in engineering technology alongside their degree.

The physical infrastructure supporting the Faculty of Engineering includes facilities located on the Thunder Bay campus and at the Georgian College partnership campus in Barrie. The main engineering buildings house specialized teaching and research laboratories, computing facilities, design studios, and lecture halls. Facilities include dedicated laboratories for fluid mechanics, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, electrical circuits, robotics, thermodynamics, and materials testing. Students have access to advanced equipment, high-performance computing networks, and workshop space for machine fabrication and design projects required by the curriculum.

Academic strengths of the Faculty of Engineering center on natural resources engineering, environmental sustainability, structural integrity, and industrial automation. Faculty members participate in research initiatives funded by national agencies such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), as well as regional industrial partners. Research topics investigated within the department include wastewater treatment, renewable energy systems, cold-climate structural design, wireless communications, and advanced manufacturing processes. These research areas reflect the geographic and industrial context of Northwestern Ontario, addressing regional challenges through applied engineering solutions.

Student academic and professional development is supported through cooperative education (co-op) options embedded within various engineering majors. The co-op program provides students with opportunities to complete paid work terms in government agencies, consulting firms, manufacturing companies, and utility providers across Canada. Additionally, the faculty supports student participation in national and international engineering competitions, such as concrete canoe design, steel bridge building, and formula student racing teams. These extracurricular and practical components complement classroom instruction and prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.

The Faculty of Engineering operates as an integral component of Lakehead University, sharing institutional resources such as the Chancellor Paterson Library, student support services, athletic facilities, and residence halls. The governance of the faculty is overseen by the Dean of Engineering, along with department chairs for each engineering discipline, operating in alignment with the university's Senate and Board of Governors. The faculty maintains connections with alumni and industry advisory committees to ensure that program content aligns with changing technology, regulatory standards, and labor market needs in the engineering sector.