Launch a career that rocks
Learn about the fascinating and complex world under your feet by exploring topics such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and hydrogeology.
In its four-billion-year-old history, the Earth has changed — sometimes slowly (such as mountain building) and sometimes with violent and sudden transformations that can be devastating (such as a meteorite impact). In Earth Sciences you'll learn about the make up of our planet, from rocks and soil to water and the effects of climate change. We depend upon resources that come from the Earth, such as minerals, oil, organic materials, gases, and the water we drink. Who finds these hidden and valuable resources? A geoscientist!
Dig deep with your choice of specialization: Geology, Geophysics, or Hydrogeology. And if you're up for it, apply your knowledge through the paid work experiences co-op offers.
When you graduate, you’ll be eligible for a Professional Geoscientist designation — and be ready to develop meaningful environmental protection plans, predict natural disasters, advance health standards for water, and more.
What courses will you take in Earth Sciences?
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.
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
You must choose one of three specializations.
- Geology - The majority of courses you'll take in your degree are Earth Science courses. Geology is the least math intensive of the Earth Science specializations and offers the most Earth electives.
- Hydrogeology - You must be comfortable with math and chemistry. During your degree, you'll have the opportunity to take courses through multiple faculties, including engineering, to see the different applications of hydrogeology.
- Geophysics - The majority of courses you'll take in your degree are Earth Science courses and program electives in Science and Math. You must be comfortable with math and higher level physics.
Types of courses you'll take
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Fieldwork capabilities, including rock sampling and geological mapping
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills an Earth Sciences 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 Earth Sciences degree
With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo. You can also add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Get career-relevant skills. Right from your first term, you’ll gain practical experience in our advanced lab facilities. Or take part in research: our professors run projects in 15 countries on five continents.
Meet other geo-geeks. Build bonds outside the lab and lecture hall. The Earth and Environmental Science club (WATROX) regularly organizes field trips, social activities, and other events.
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
- Geophysical data processor
- Geological research assistant
- Land resource specialist
- Earth science museum tour guide
- Groundwater technician
- Environmental geoscientist
- Waste water project assistant
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).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- 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, or Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply to Physical Sciences and select Earth Sciences as your major.
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Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.
From the Missing Manual
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The (really) great outdoors
For seven weeks, two summers in a row, Carson lived in a tent. Here's what Carson's experience was like as an Earth Science student.