Earth and Environmental Sciences at Waterloo | Earth and Environmental Sciences

Learn in the field not just the classroom

At Waterloo, you won’t just study the earth – you’ll engage with it directly through hands-on experience in the field. Take your learning beyond the classroom on one of our Ontario field trips or on international excursions to destinations like Costa Rica or Italy. You can also engage in practical learning right here on campus. The Peter Russell Rock Garden houses more than a hundred rock and mineral specimens from across the province, and unique exhibits and displays can be found in the Earth Sciences Museum.

Explore the natural world with outstanding teaching and research faculty in a caring community focused on your authentic growth and success. You’ll benefit from mentorship and peer connections in one of our five innovative specializations with an option to graduate ready to become a Professional Geoscientist.

What is it like to be an Earth and Environmental Sciences Student?

I love that my program gets me outside. I’ve explored topics that interest me and a variety of courses and co-ops to support my learning. Earth Science student

I love my program because it explores many diverse subjects within Environmental Science giving me an in-depth look at all the research and career possibilities it offers. Environmental Sciences student

I love my program because of how hands-on it is and I have met so many cool people who've done great things! Environmental Sciences student

There are an incredible number of opportunities to tailor your program and get applicable experience outside the classroom. I have been able to explore topics that interest me and choose a variety of courses and co-ops to support my learning. Earth Science student

View "Why you should study Earth Sciences at the University of Waterloo" on YouTube

Solving the problems of tomorrow through innovative research

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Support the future of Science

Your support of the Earth 20/20 Endowment Fund will help Earth and Environmental Sciences students gain hands-on field experience, access cutting-edge research opportunities, and develop solutions for a sustainable planet. Together, we can equip the next generation of geoscientists with the knowledge and skills to tackle global environmental challenges. If you would like to make a broader impact, consider supporting one of the Faculty of Science’s priority funds.