The University of Waterloo ranked in 29 of 51 featured subject areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022, released on April 6. In the report, QS evaluated and ranked approximately 1,543 universities in 51 disciplines, grouped into five broad subject areas. Indicators for the subject rankings were drawn from a peer review survey, employer survey and citations data.

“Our high performance in key subject areas reflects the fact that Waterloo is built on a foundation of academic excellence. We are committed to offering students an education that allows them to make a resounding impact in the world,” says James Rush, vice-president academic and provost. “Waterloo’s place on the global and national scale is due to the incredible dedication of everyone who considers themselves a part of the Waterloo community.”

Waterloo’s results generally held steady from last year, with five subjects in the top 50 (up three) and 12 subjects in the top 100 (down three). The University also placed among the top 5 Canadian institutions in 13 subjects.

Subjects ranked in top 50:

  • Computer Science (25th) 
  • Electrical & Electronic Engineering (33rd)
  • Mathematics (41st) 
  • Anatomy & Physiology (48th)
  • Mechanical Engineering (49th)

Subjects ranked 51-100:

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Material Sciences
  • Physics & Astronomy
  • Hospitality & Leisure Management Studies
  • Statistics & Operational Research

Subjects ranked 101-200:

  • Architecture/Built Environment
  • Philosophy 
  • Psychology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth & Marine Sciences
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Sports-related subjects

In addition to the subject area rankings, the report also includes broad subject area rankings. Waterloo has two broad subject areas in the top 100 and the University’s rank in Life Sciences & Medicine rose from 366 to 358. The next QS World University Rankings, in which Waterloo placed in the top 150 last year, will be released in the fall.