Deciding is difficult. So don't.
With so many different sciences to love, why limit yourself? Honours Science at Waterloo lets you keep your interests broad.
Take a range of courses in chemistry, biology, physics, earth sciences, and more in the most flexible program within the Faculty of Science. Because you don’t have to commit to a specific discipline, more than half of your courses are electives. Choose additional science courses, or take advantage of offerings from other faculties or departments across the university.
Once you graduate, an Honours Science degree gives you an excellent foundation for many science-related careers. It also makes it easy to meet the requirements for professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, and more.
The Faculty of Science is an international leader in research
Available as a regular program only
State-of-the-art teaching labs located within our Science Teaching Complex
Honours Science 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, and Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
We recommend completing the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
Discover Science at Waterloo
Honours Science provides an excellent foundation for your career or for further education, such as medical school or a master's degree.
What will you learn?
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.
Skills attained within this major
- Research
- Quantification
- Data interpretation and analysis
- Experimentation
- Analytics
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills an Honours Science 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.
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
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Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact a Science student ambassador to learn about their experience.
Ask them questions such as why the chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
"The best thing about Waterloo is the high-quality education. Every class I've taken has been amazing. The professors are passionate about their fields and helping students. My peers are curious and driven, which has encouraged me to do my best and grow."Lindsay, Honours Science student (minors in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology)
Apply directly to this program on your application
Offered by the Faculty of Science
Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Honours Science
Choose your own courses
In Waterloo’s most flexible science program, there’s only one restriction: six of your 10 courses each year must be science related. After that, it’s up to you!
Pick your science major later
If you end up falling in love with a particular subject in science, you can switch into a more specialized program at any time up to third year.
Ready to learn more?
- Visit the Department of Honours Science website
- Related programs
Student Stories
Check out these articles to learn about Honours Sciences at Waterloo, the student experience, branching into your future career, and more.
- Bringing home powerful change (Beyond Ideas website)
- Inoculating against misinformation (Waterloo Stories website)
