Get a science degree. Save the planet.
Get a solid grounding in chemistry and biology and still have lots of room to explore environment-related courses in ecology, aquatic ecosystems, geology, hydrology, and more. You’ll learn about climate change, groundwater flow and contamination, environmental impacts of pollution, responsible extraction of Earth resources, waste disposal, and human engineering of Earth processes.
Specialize in Ecology to address ecological sustainability and biodiversity while learning about the fundamental science of life on Earth. Go the Geoscience route and focus on the interactions among the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere as well as the human activities that encompass the complex and dynamic Earth System.
Or choose the Water Science specialization and investigate the unique properties of water; the distribution and movement of fresh and salt water above, on, and within the Earth; and the quality and quantity of water that humans depend upon to survive and thrive on this planet.
Any route you choose, whether you want to gain paid work experience through co-op or not, you’ll graduate with the scientific knowledge, creativity, and expertise you need to create a more sustainable world.
What courses will you take in Environmental Sciences?
First-year courses (Geoscience specialization)
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'll have the ability to switch between all three specializations (listed below) after first year.
- Water Science: most classes you'll take will be Biology and Earth Science courses.
- Geoscience: most classes you’ll take will be Earth Science with some Biology and Chemistry courses.
- Ecology: most classes you’ll take will be Biology with some Earth Science courses.
View the courses required for your degree.
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Fieldwork capabilities, including skills such as groundwater and surface water sampling, as well as geological mapping
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills an Environmental 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 degree
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of the minors or diplomas available to all Waterloo students. Popular areas of focus for Environmental Sciences students include Biology; Chemistry; and Environment, Resources, and Sustainability.
You can earn a Diploma in Environmental Assessment and gain knowledge in the environmental assessment process in Canada. This is useful when preparing for a career in consulting or government.
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Learn from a global leader. Waterloo is ranked #1 in Canada for environmental science and engineering. (Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)
25+ field courses. Hone your hands-on skills. We offer a ton of upper-year field courses, from hydrogeology on our north campus to marine biology in New Brunswick.
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
- Regulatory affairs coordinator
- Water treatment project assistant
- Research and development technician
- Laboratory technician
- Environmental services and approvals assistant
- Undergraduate research assistant
- Science peer tutor
Learn more about co-op jobs in Environmental Sciences.
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).
Environmental Sciences 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, Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply?
Apply to this program directly on your application.
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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.
From the Missing Manual
Visit our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff. Topics include
Co-op jobs in Environmental Science are wild
Bears, fish, and helicopters. Yes, this is an Environmental Sciences co-op job at Waterloo.
Why climate change isn’t just a buzzword
Beyond the politics and beliefs, what exactly is changing, and where? What does it mean here in Ontario?
Careers in the environment, sustainability, and climate change
Taking action on climate change every day might be the best thing you can do for yourself, your community, and the planet.