Go beyond your own limits – participate in ground-breaking research, engage with award-winning professors, and dive into hands-on learning opportunities.
Science drives the human race forward by increasing our understanding of the world. It helps us uncover the past while discovering what the future holds. Science takes us beyond our limits into a universe of infinite possibilities.
At Waterloo, you’ll use unique tools, technologies, and innovation to push the boundaries of science. Whether it’s through our integrated programs or delving into pure science, we’ll equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed here and in the future.
Science programs and majors
Faculty of Science tour
Enjoy this fast-paced video of our buildings showcasing labs, lecture halls, museums, coffee shops, innovation hubs, student spaces, and so much more.
Experience is everything
Waterloo boasts the largest co-op program of its kind. You can apply directly to the co-op program when you submit your application. Co-op provides you the opportunity to work during four or five (4-month) terms, and with access to over 7,000 employers (nearly 600 are science-specific) you'll graduate with real-world experience you can brag about (and take to the bank).
14 of our 17 science majors have a co-op option (some are co-op only). For those interested in Science and Aviation, Biomedical Sciences, or Honours Science and want to explore careers and gain experience, the EDGE certificate program will help you develop key professional skills, explore career options, and market yourself to employers.
The Faculty of Science has its benefits...
It's a scientist's life for me
When you picture a scientist, what comes to mind? A lab coat-wearing and goggled person pipetting random chemicals into test tubes within a sterile lab? If yes, you're not alone.
This is a common image of a scientist. Seriously, Google it. It might be because science is known for performing research that changes the world. It helps us understand our planet, our bodies, our DNA, and even the tiniest particles known to humans.
Research propels the world forward and is incredibly valuable to industry, academia, governments, and hospitals. If this is your passion – to experiment and research – Waterloo is an amazing place to do this! We believe students who can experiment with confidence will find success wherever their career takes them.
But what if you're interested in something beyond the lab? Many students ask what they can do with a science degree that doesn't involve research.
Good news! Scientists are needed in areas that don't require the traditional lab bench. They're lawyers, pilots, data analysts, project managers, computer scientists, economists, financial analysts, and more.
Science helps you gain skills that are immediately valuable and transferable to many careers in science. Couple these skills with your own university experience and your passions, and you'll discover a future that is made just for you.
Bringing ideas to life; it's in our DNA
Have an idea to help solve a world problem? Want support getting started with your own company that manufactures your scientific solution? Oh, and did we mention you will retain all intellectual property (IP) rights?
Concept Science is our own pre-incubator entrepreneurship program. It's part of the Faculty of Science's Innovation Hub, a place for students to test their ideas and get involved in student-run science teams.
At the University of Waterloo, we have an incredibly strong entrepreneurship culture. We're the home of Velocity, the world's most productive university-linked start-up incubator.
Our students are what make us awesome!
Beyond Science Fiction
Jake Malliaros, a student in Physics, is hoping to change the future of travel by being part of Waterloo's Hyperloop team.
For more inspiring science stories, visit our Beyond Ideas blog, where student, staff, and faculty experiences are our focus.
Meet our students
Who better to tell you about the Faculty of Science than our own incredible students?
Ambassadors are student volunteers who make it their goal to help future scientists determine if the University of Waterloo is right for them.
Are we biased about our fun-loving group of ambassadors? You betcha! But we really think you'll enjoy learning about who they are, their fav foods, their programs, and why they made Waterloo their home away from home.
Science is beautiful
Check out the Faculty of Science Instagram account!
Waterloo's other faculties
