Launch a high-flying career in the aviation industry.
Do you dream of being a pilot? Take to the skies with the largest university-level aviation program in Canada.
You’ll earn a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from one of the country’s top-ranked geography departments, plus your Commercial Pilot Licence.
There’s no better way to appreciate geography than from several thousand feet above the ground. And your knowledge of geography will be an asset when you’re navigating across continents.
Between the classroom and the cockpit, you’ll gain a deep understanding of landforms, weather patterns, and the computer technology behind tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
Log 200+ flight hours
Through a partnership with the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, you'll receive at least 200 hours of in-the-air experience at one of Canada's largest flight training centres.
Build an awesome résumé
As well as learning to fly, you’ll obtain your multi-engine and multi-instrument ratings, giving you the skills you need to handle twin-engine aircraft and rough weather.
Chelsea-Anne, a Waterloo Aviation student, recalls her first time flying on her own, her first time flying with her Mom, and shares a glimpse into the life of an aviation student.
About the Geography and Aviation program
Graduate with your
Commercial Pilot Licence
Apply directly to this program on your application
Earn a Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree
Waterloo ranks in the top 10 geography programs in Canada
Offered by the Faculty of Environment
Join Canada's largest university-level professional pilot program
Geography and Aviation admission requirements
- Ontario students: 6 Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- One Grade 12 U Mathematics course (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Recommended courses: One or more Grade 12 U or M Geography courses strongly recommended, a second Grade 12 U Mathematics, Earth and Space Science
- Admissions averages: Low 80s
- Admission Information Form, Program Briefing Session, Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Certification, Aviation Language Proficiency Test (ALPT)
- Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements
First-year Geography and Aviation courses
September to December
AVIA 100 - Introduction to Aviation
GEOG 101 - Human Geographies: People, Space and Change
GEOG 181 - Designing Effective Maps
CS 100 - Introduction to Computing
One of:
ENGL 109 - Introduction to Academic Writing
ENGL 129R Written Academic English
January to April
GEOG 102 - Global Environmental Systems: Process and Change
ENVS 178 - Environmental Applications of Data Management and Statistics
AVIA 101 - Professional Pilot Program Course
1 elective
Note: AVIA 102 - Professional Pilot Course II is required during the spring term following first year (May to August).
After first year
About half of the classes you’ll take will be Geography courses, while the other half will be Aviation 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 Geography and Aviation courses
AVIA 270 – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Knowledge Requirements
GEOG 271 – Earth from Space Using Remote Sensing
AVIA 310 – Human Factors in Aviation
AVIA 320 – Aviation Safety
Customize your Geography and Aviation degree
You can also add additional areas of interest and expertise by including a minor (or minors) as part of your degree.
Specializations available in:
- Climate Change and Environment
- Earth Systems Science
- Economy and Society
- Geomatics
Careers in Aviation
Recent graduates
- First Officer-Phenom 100 jet, Flightpath Charter Airways Inc.
- First Officer – Sunwing Airlines, Boeing 737
- First Officer – WestJet Encore, Bombardier Q400
- Second Officer – Cathay Pacific, Boeing 777
- Flight Instructor, Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre
- Pilot, Pilatus Centre Canada
- Pilot, Transwest Air
- Pilot, Alkan Air
- Pilot, Air Georgian
Possible professional designation
Students graduate with a Commercial Pilot Licence
Learn more about Geography and Aviation
- Email Jay Smith, our Environment recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions about Geography and Aviation
- Visit the Geography and Aviation website
