Science and Business Degree

Science and Business students have a conversation together

Can scientists make it big in business? You bet.

Jumpstart your career with a one-of-a-kind degree that equips you with both scientific know-how and valuable business skills.

Science and Business at Waterloo combines studies in biology, chemistry, and physics with courses in economics, accounting, marketing, law, and entrepreneurship.

Focus your degree by specializing in one of three scientific disciplines, or take a broader range of courses tailored to your interests by remaining unspecialized. Meanwhile, in one of Canada’s top universities for business, you’ll work in small groups on case studies, business plans, and market analysis, as well as have the opportunity to gain paid work experience through the co-op stream.

When you graduate, the opportunities are many: this is a degree you can put to work in intellectual property, research, mutual funds, technical sales, business development, law, and a host of other fields.

What courses will you take in Science and Business?

First-year courses

Programs/majors in the Faculty of Science start right in first year. To select your program with confidence, here’s some handy info to get you started.

What is the balance of science and business courses in the program?

There is about a 50/50 split between both science and business courses! This allows you to explore both disciplines and tailor your degree to courses that interest you. You can specialize your degree in either biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology, or even remain unspecialized. On the business side, you can take courses such as economics, accounting, finance, human resources management, business law, marketing, and more.

September to December

  • AFM 131 – Introduction to Business in North America
  • CHEM 120/120L – General Chemistry 1/Laboratory
  • MATH 127 – Calculus 1 for the Sciences
  • SCBUS 123 – Workshop 1: Science and Business

Plus one course from

January to April

Plus one course from

This a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

Most of the classes you’ll take will be in subjects offered by the Faculty of Science along with some Economics and Accounting and Financial Management courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

View a list of all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

AFM 231 – Business law
BIOL 239 – Genetics
SCBUS 223 – Workshop 2: Strategies Behind Technological Innovation
SCBUS 323 – Workshop 3: Technology Development

Types of courses you'll take

39% science electives, 5% math, 15% science and business workshops, 12% economics, 5% chemistry, 10% accounting and financial management, 12% other, 2% free electives

This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.

Skills you'll develop with this major

  • Business strategy
  • Public speaking
  • Conflict resolution
  • Leadership
  • Critical thinking

This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills a Science and Business major can provide.

Your experience will be unique, and the skills you develop will depend on your goals; which courses you take; and your involvement with any clubs, jobs, or research projects.

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by specializing in one of the following.

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology

You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Faculty:
Faculty of Science

Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Science and Business

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
No

Influence industry. Join WatSolve, our popular pro bono business consulting group that takes real science-related business problems and creates impactful solutions. Gain skills and make meaningful impacts while companies implement solutions customized to their needs. Win-win!

Connect outside of class. The Science and Business Students’ Association organizes BBQs, beach days, and end-of-term events plus pre-exam breakfasts and résumé critiques.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

  • Marketing research analyst
  • Marketing and operation coordinator
  • Validation quality assurance analyst
  • Laboratory technician
  • Undergraduate research assistant
  • Science peer tutor
  • Sustainability project analyst

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Co-op
Fifth Study Study -

Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Science and Business?

With their two areas of expertise, graduates of the program commonly pursue careers in finance, science, technology, health and medical research, consulting, and in the energy and oil industry practising project and program analysis, business analysis, and technology development.

Graduates

  • Business Analyst – The Hospital for Sick Children
  • Clinical Research Officer – Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
  • Drug Safety Operations Team Lead — Hoffmann-LaRoche Ltd.
  • Logistic Planner — Praxair Canada Inc.
  • Project Leader — Apotex Incorporated
  • Science Commercialization Officer — Science Enterprise Algoma
  • Privacy Analyst — eHealth Ontario
  • Account Manager — Pivotal Labs

Learn about the future of careers in business.

Tuition fees for programs in the Faculty of Science

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $9,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $9,000
International (visa students) $52,000
     
  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70%)
  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics

Admission averages: Low 80s

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply?

Apply directly to this program on your application.

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Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.