As new student applications open for the Fall 2027 term, the University of Lethbridge is excited to announce a novel approach to engineering education in Alberta with the introduction of a new Bachelor of Engineering (Integrated Engineering).
Approved to begin its first intake of students in Fall 2027, the Integrated Engineering specialization offers a multidisciplinary approach to engineering education, combining core principles from agri-food, chemical, mechanical, electrical, civil and software engineering. Students develop broad technical competence alongside strong design, communication and project management skills through hands-on labs and team-based projects.
“Southern Alberta communities have told us for years about the dire need for engineers in rural and small urban centres, and this program is uniquely designed to meet that market need,” says ULethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Digvir Jayas. “The curriculum emphasizes flexibility, innovation and real-world problem solving, preparing graduates for diverse careers in emerging industries or entrepreneurial ventures, and is specifically reflective of the critical thinking, liberal education hallmarks that define ULethbridge.”
Statistics show the rising demand for engineers in Alberta, where currently only the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary prepare students for work in this field. Job data from 2020 to 2025 indicates that an average of 3,500 engineering positions were posted each year, while on average, less than 1,700 new engineering graduates came out of UAlberta and UCalgary combined. In addition, 28.5 per cent of unique job postings for engineering positions were from outside the major urban areas of Edmonton and Calgary.
Jayas, himself an engineer, says smaller urban and rural communities are unique in their needs and could benefit from the training of multifaceted engineers who have a wide breadth of engineering knowledge.
“Our program will train versatile engineers able to excel in multidisciplinary positions and complement the engineering programs offered by the University of Alberta and the University Calgary,” says Jayas, noting that the university will maintain its current pre-engineering transfer program relationship with UAlberta.
He adds that a key aspect of the ULethbridge program is its focus on work-integrated learning (WIL) as well as co-operative education and applied learning opportunities.
“Opportunities to combine real-world work experience with academic studies enrich a student’s academic, intellectual, personal and professional development,” says Jayas. “Our program will work to create a partnership between students, the University and the employer, bridging academic theory with professional development and practical application.”
Funded through the recently announced Government of Alberta Targeted Enrolment Expansion, engineering seats were identified as a critical addition for the region.
“As southern Alberta continues to grow, it is more important than ever that investments in post-secondary education reflect the needs of students, employers and local communities,” says Minister of Advanced Education Myles McDougall. “Our government is proud to support 120 seats in this innovative new Bachelor of Engineering program. This investment will help equip more Albertans with the skills they need to succeed while addressing critical workforce demands across the region.”
Through a partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic that affords a unique collaborative degree experience that will meet Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) requirements, students will spend a semester gaining hands-on experience in a polytechnic environment.
“This new engineering program reflects the strength of the relationship between our two institutions and our shared commitment to creating opportunities for students while responding to the evolving needs of industry,” says Lethbridge Polytechnic President Dr. Brad Donaldson. “Bringing engineering education across both campuses builds on the strengths of the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge Polytechnic and helps ensure education and training in our region continue to align with Alberta’s workforce needs. Most importantly, this partnership creates new opportunities for students to build their futures here while supporting the businesses, industries and communities that drive southern Alberta’s economy.”
Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf says the new degree is a major development for southern Alberta.
“The University of Lethbridge, in partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic, is well positioned to build on its deep roots in southern Alberta and expand high-quality engineering education in Lethbridge, across the region and beyond,” says Neudorf. “ The addition of a Bachelor of Integrated Engineering program will create new opportunities for students and respond to regional needs identified by industry leaders by helping more graduates build their careers and contribute to the economy in southern Alberta.”
Supported by local industry partners who have long lobbied for engineering training in southern Alberta, the realization of a new program at ULethbridge is welcome news.
“Southern Alberta’s engineering industry is one of many voices supporting this program as we see the demand for these types of engineers every day,” says Mark Bellamy, P. Eng., FEC., FGC. (Hon.), APEGA Life Member. “Southern Alberta has unique economic strengths and needs, and graduates of this program will be equipped with a versatile skill set which will support economic growth and innovation in our region as well as in smaller urban and rural areas throughout Alberta.”
Gerald Veldman, president of MPE a Division of Englobe, says engineers are sorely needed throughout the region.
“We were one of the many voices that supported the creation of this program because we see the demand for engineers every day. Southern Alberta is a unique setting with unique needs, and graduates with a versatile, broad-based skill set will make a real impact in smaller urban and rural communities,” he says. “It also gives students from those communities a way to pursue engineering without having to leave for a major urban market. It is exciting to see this happening here.”
To register, visit Future Student.