The University of Waterloo now ranks 21st in the world for computer science programs, rising one spot from last year. The University also rose one spot to claim the 28th spot globally for universities that offer programs in electrical engineering. 

The results are part of the annual QS World University Rankings by Subject, which ranks approximately 1,597 universities in 54 specific disciplines. Indicators for the subject rankings are drawn from a peer review survey, employer survey, citations data and collaboration data. 

The rankings continue to recognize Waterloo’s remarkable community of curious and innovative problem solvers who are actively seeking to understand and identify solutions that benefit humanity and our planet. Waterloo continues to shine as a leading global research-intensive university renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation and providing co-op and work-integrated learning at scale with impact. 

In Canada, Waterloo earned 2nd spot for subject areas in Engineering and Technology, and 4th place for subject areas in Arts and Humanities. Waterloo continues to rank in the top 100 on a global scale in mechanical engineering, mathematics, materials science, and physics and astronomy.  

The University also holds down competitive rankings globally in the areas of anatomy and physiology, hospitality and leisure management, sports-related subjects, statistics and operational research, materials science, physics and astronomy and environmental sciences. 

Check out all of Waterloo’s global top placements in broad subject areas in the rankings. Note that QS indicates some of the rankings as a range. 

Subject Area

Programs

Subject Area Engineering and Technology 

Programs

Computer Science – 21  

Civil and Structural Engineering – 51-100  

Chemical Engineering – 98  

Electrical Engineering – 28  

Mechanical Engineering – 58 

Subject Area Natural Sciences 

Programs

Materials Science – 79  

Mathematics – 39  

Physics and Astronomy – 75

Subject Area Social Sciences and Management 

Programs

Hospitality & Leisure Management Studies – 51-100 

Sports-related subjects – 51-100 

Statistics and Operational Research – 51-100

Subject Area Arts and Humanities 

Programs

Architecture Built/Environment – 101-200 

Art and Design – 151-200 

Subject Area Life Sciences and Medicine 

Programs

Anatomy and Physiology – 101-150  
Subject Area Natural Sciences

Programs

Chemistry – 133 

Earth and Marine Science – 151-200 

Geography – 101-150 

Environmental Science – 116  

Geology – 151-200 

Geophysics – 151-200 

Subject Area Social Sciences and Management

Programs

Accounting and Finance – 151-200 

Check out the full methodology on the QS World University Rankings website.