Graduate studies

Why graduate studies in Biology at Waterloo?

As a graduate student in Biology, you don’t simply join a program, you become part of an ecosystem of expertise, infrastructure, and ideas. Our graduate students tackle biological questions from multiple perspectives as part of a collaborative and supportive department. Our research-based master’s (MSc) and doctoral (PhD) programs span biochemistry, computational biology, ecology and evolution, microbiology, and physiology and cell biology, making it possible to build projects that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Waterloo’s wider research ecosystem is a major advantage of our program. Connect biology with engineering, math, computer science, environmental studies, and health research through opportunities like the Collaborative Water Program. Specialized facilities, such as the WATER Facility, also allow ambitious research that bridges laboratory and field biology.

Where do you fit in?

We offer thesis-based graduate training at both the master’s (MSc) and doctoral (PhD) levels. Either program can be completed with a water specialization through the Collaborative Water program.