Collaborative Water Program

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Delivered by the 11 participating academic units, and co-ordinated and supported by the Water Institute, the Collaborative Water Program at the University of Waterloo is the most interdisciplinary water graduate program in Canada.

Why Interdisciplinary

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“I cannot stress enough how important this program is. Being a student in the Collaborative Water Program, working with students from many other disciplines, has challenged my perspectives and has been a big contributor to my growth as an individual, professional and academic."

-Elaine Ho, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Environment

Water has no boundaries

So why should our research?

 In a world where interdisciplinary research is of growing importance, the Collaborative Water Program encourages students to push the boundaries of their research and discover innovative ways to tackle global water challenges. 

Collaborative Water Program students complete their specialist training in their respective home department or school while working with students from a variety of disciplines in two interdisciplinary courses. These courses capture both theoretical and practical components, including in-class lectures, fieldwork, interdisciplinary group work, and individual research seminars.

According to the Job Outlook 2018 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers:

Employers indicated that problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a team are the most desired attributes and are of equal importance.

Master's and Doctoral Programs

Student Stories

How to Apply

Go to the University of Waterloo's Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website

1. Explore University of Waterloo departments and schools that offer Collaborative Water Program degrees

2. Review the admission requirements of your home department or school

3. Review the application documents that you will need to apply

4. Complete your online application, indicating the water program you wish to apply to

5. Upload your documents using Quest, the University of Waterloo’s student information system

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