Can scientists make it big in business? You bet.
Jumpstart your career with a one-of-a-kind degree that equips you with both scientific know-how and valuable business skills.
Science and Business at Waterloo combines studies in biology, chemistry, and physics with courses in economics, accounting, marketing, law, and entrepreneurship.
Focus your degree by specializing in one of three scientific disciplines, or take a broader range of courses tailored to your interests by remaining unspecialized. Meanwhile, in one of Canada’s top universities for business, you’ll work in small groups on case studies, business plans, and market analysis, as well as have the opportunity to gain paid work experience through the co-op stream.
When you graduate, the opportunities are many: this is a degree you can put to work in intellectual property, research, mutual funds, technical sales, business development, law, and a host of other fields.
What courses will you take in Science and Business?
First-year courses
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.
What is the balance of science and business courses in the program?
There is about a 50/50 split between both science and business courses! This allows you to explore both disciplines and tailor your degree to courses that interest you. You can specialize your degree in either biology, biochemistry, or biotechnology, or even remain unspecialized. On the business side, you can take courses such as economics, accounting, finance, human resources management, business law, marketing, and more.
This a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
Most of the classes you’ll take will be in subjects offered by the Faculty of Science along with some Economics and Accounting and Financial Management courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
View all the courses required for your degree.
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Business strategy
- Public speaking
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership
- Critical thinking
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills a Science and Business 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.
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Science and Business
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Influence industry. Join WatSolve, our popular pro bono business consulting group that takes real science-related business problems and creates impactful solutions. Gain skills and make meaningful impacts while companies implement solutions customized to their needs. Win-win!
Connect outside of class. The Science and Business Students’ Association organizes BBQs, beach days, and end-of-term events plus pre-exam breakfasts and résumé critiques.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Marketing research analyst
- Marketing and operation coordinator
- Validation quality assurance analyst
- Laboratory technician
- Undergraduate research assistant
- Science peer tutor
- Sustainability project analyst
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70%)
- 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, Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply?
Apply directly to this program on your application.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.