Aim for a career with astronomical possibilities
Do you look up at night and dream of distant galaxies? Do you wonder about the origin of the universe? Explore your curiosity with a Physics and Astronomy degree from Waterloo.
Complement your foundational studies in physics and math with courses in astronomy. Interested in research? Waterloo's new Centre for Astrophysics hosts aspiring young researchers and students, helping them to unlock the mysteries of the universe. Researchers will collaborate with some of the top astrophysics agencies in the world on a variety of research projects.
The program’s strong ties to Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing provide additional opportunities to get involved in research. Meanwhile, if you opt for our co-op program, you’ll gain valuable résumé-building experience on your work terms.
Join a program that fosters curious minds to question the smallest particles, the largest forces, and everything in between. Where you'll get the support to possibly win a Nobel Prize in Physics (like Waterloo professor Dr. Donna Strickland) or be part of the team to take the first image of a black hole (like professor Avery Broderick).
Once you complete your degree, you’ll have what it takes to pursue specialized graduate programs or to launch directly into a career in fields like aerospace, astrophysics, or remote sensing.
Award-winning teaching
As well as small class sizes, you’ll enjoy great teaching. This is a department that has racked up an impressive eight Distinguished Teaching Awards.
Meet other astro-nerds
Meet students who share your passions in the rocketry club or the space club, or spend some time in Waterloo’s very own Gustav Bakos Observatory.
Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo
Emily, a Physics and Astronomy student, loves the program because it deals with questions that people have been asking since ancient times.
Waterloo ranks 4th in Canada for physics
Available as a 
Earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Honours Physics and Astronomy
Physics and Astronomy 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 (Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and/or Physics are recommended)
Admission averages: Low 80s
We recommend completing the Admission Information Form once you've applied.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Physical Sciences (which includes the Physics and Astronomy major).
How to apply
Apply to Physical Sciences and choose Physics and Astronomy as your major.
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First-year courses
September to December
January to April
After first year
Most of the classes you’ll take will be Physics courses and some Math 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
PHYS 375 – Stars
PHYS 461 – Nanophysics
PHYS 474 – Galaxies
PHYS 476 – Introduction to General Relativity
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore careers in astronomy and work for different types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- RADARSAT operations support assistant
- Sun-earth development program assistant
- Science & math tutor
- Undergraduate research assistant
- Software development & testing coordinator
Sample co-op employers
- Canadian Space Agency
- Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
- CERN - European Organization for Nuclear Research
- National Research Council of Canada
Live with other Science students in a Science Academic Cluster
Offered by the Faculty of Science
Apply to Physical Sciences and select Physics and Astronomy as your major
Customize your Bachelor of Science degree
You can specialize with a minor in astrophysics or biophysics or choose to add additional areas of interest from across campus by including a minor or option as part of your degree.
What can you do with an astronomy degree?
With a Physics and Astronomy degree, you can use your passion for physics and space to pursue careers as an astronomer, aerospace scientist, or a researcher in theoretical physics, astrophysics, as well as data analysis for space and atmospheric institutes.
Recent graduates
- Astronomer - The National Research Council's Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
- Aerospace Scientist - NASA
- Researcher - Canadian Space Agency
- Hazard Analyst/Modeller - National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Learn about the future of careers in science.
Ready to learn more?
- Visit the Department of Physics and Astronomy website
- Email our Science recruitment team, who can answer any questions about the program
- Subscribe to our newsletter to get tips and advice from current students
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