Physics and Astronomy

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.

Take a course with one of our professors whose Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration team was the first in history to capture an image of a black hole. 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.

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.

  

  

 

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

 

Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo

Watch video on YouTube

Emily, a Physics and Astronomy student, loves the program because it deals with questions that people have been asking since ancient times. 

Breifcase Available as a co-op and regular program

ClickApply to Physical Sciences and select Physics and Astronomy as your major

CapEarn a Bachelor of Science degree in Honours Physics and Astronomy

 

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
 

20+Live with other Science students in a Science Academic Cluster

BeakerOffered by the Faculty of Science

4Waterloo ranks 4th in Canada for physics

 

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

For more information on potential careers, check out our page on careers in science.

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.

 

Ready to learn more?