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 degree in Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo.
Complement your foundational studies in physics and mathematics with additional courses in astronomy.
Interested in research? The program’s strong ties to Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing give you plenty of opportunities to get involved in research. Meanwhile, if you opt for co-op, you’ll gain valuable résumé-building experience on your work terms.
Once you complete your degree, you’ll have what it takes to succeed at graduate school or launch directly into a career in fields like aerospace, remote sensing, or astrophysics.
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.
Emily, a Physics and Astronomy student, loves astronomy because it deals with questions that people have been asking since ancient times.
About the Physics and Astronomy program
Available as a 
Apply to Physical Sciences and select Physics and Astronomy as your major
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Honours Physics and Astronomy
Live in the Physical Sciences Living-Learning Community
Offered by the Faculty of Science
Waterloo ranks 4th in Canada for physicsPhysics and Astronomy admission requirements
- Apply to Physical Sciences and select Physics and Astronomy as your major.
Careers in astronomy
Physics and Astronomy graduates use their passion for physics and space to pursue careers as aerospace scientists, astronomers, and researchers in theoretical physics, astrophysics, data analysis for space and atmospheric institutes.
Possible career fields
- 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
First-year Physics and Astronomy courses
September to December
PHYS 10 - Physics Seminar
PHYS 121/PHYS 131L - Mechanics/Laboratory
MATH 114 - Linear Algebra for Science
MATH 127 - Calculus 1 for Sciences
CHEM120/CHEM 120L - Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter/Laboratory
SCCOM 100 Communication in the Sciences
January to April
PHYS 10 - Physics Seminar
PHYS 122/132L - Waves, Electricity and Magnetism/Laboratory
PHYS 124 - Modern Physics
PHYS 175/175L - Introduction to the Universe/Laboratory
MATH 128 - Calculus 2 for the Sciences
CHEM 123/CHEM 123L - Chemical Reactions, Equilibria and Kinetics/Laboratory
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
Customize your Physics and Astronomy degree
You can specialize with a minor in astrophysics or biophysics or add additional areas of interest from across campus by including a minor or option as part of your degree.
Gain relevant work experience through co-op
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
- Research Assistant
Sample co-op employers
- Canadian Space Agency
- Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics
- Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
Related link
- Visit the Physics and Astronomy website
