The Faculty of Science offers an array of choices for students - from undergraduate and graduate studies to professional programs.
Our undergraduate program features 18 bachelor degree programs in the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Physics and Astronomy and cross-faculty bachelor degree programs within Science and Business and Science and Aviation. We are also home to two world-class professional schools – the School of Optometry and Vision Science and the School of Pharmacy.
Undergraduate Programs
Explore our programs to find the right one for you.
General Degrees | Environmental Programs | Life Sciences | Physical Sciences | Unique Combination Programs
General degrees
Honours Science
If you’re still exploring which sciences intrigue you the most, take Honours Science and switch to a more specialized program like Chemistry or Biology later. Our most flexible degree allows you to keep the program general, becoming an interdisciplinary scientist by taking lots of electives in Science and other faculties.
Environmental Programs
Earth Sciences
Co-op available
Earth Sciences is a multidisciplinary field that applies principles from many different areas of Science to study natural processes occurring within and at the surface of the Earth. A key focus of Earth Sciences is to learn how to manage the Earth's resources, from minerals and petroleum to groundwater, surface water and the atmosphere.
Environmental Science
Co-op available | Specializations
Ranked among the top 5 in Canada, this program, offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, provides learning in the lab and field, giving you a scientist’s perspective on ecological and geological systems.
Specializations: Ecology, Geoscience, Water Science
Life Sciences
Biochemistry
Co-op available
Concentrated biology and chemistry courses along with extensive lab experience will prepare you for a career in forensic science, pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics and analysis, agriculture, biochemical research, microbiology, biotechnology, or genetic engineering.
Biology
Co-op available | Biotechnology Technician Diploma option
Study the workings of living organisms, where they come from, and how they evolve and function, gaining insight into our understanding of life. Specialize in animal biology, environmental biology, microbiology, biotechnology, plant biology, or molecular genetics.
Degree option: Add a Conestoga College Biotechnology Technician Diploma
Biomedical Sciences
Biotechnology Technician Diploma option
Study a wide range of science and math courses in this highly flexible program. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the foundation in science needed to succeed in most health care professions.
Degree option: Add a Conestoga College Biotechnology Technician Diploma
Psychology
Co-op available
Explore the mind in one of North America’s top psychology departments. Study a range of disciplines – neuroscience, cognition, clinical, developmental, and social. A BSc in psychology will prepare you for further training in medicine, speech pathology, or other health-related fields. (Also available as a Bachelor of Arts in the Faculty of Arts).
Physical Sciences
Chemistry
Co-op available | Specializations
In one of Canada’s top 5 chemistry programs, you’ll learn from leading experts with industry connections and work with advanced chemical instrumentation and participate in the department’s cutting-edge research. Program accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry and the Chemical Institute of Canada.
Specializations: Bio-based Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Materials Chemistry
Life Physics
Co-op available
Prepare for a medical profession that harnesses the power of physics, such as radiation oncology and medical imaging. If you enjoy biology and physics and are interested in health-related careers, this is the program for you!
Materials and Nanosciences
Co-op available
Learn to harness the power of physics and chemistry to develop new nano-sized solutions for society in a region that’s fast becoming known as Canada’s quantum valley.
Mathematical Physics
Co-op available
Prepare for careers that range from the theoretical foundations of quantum technologies to the mathematically intensive unified theories of nature. This program is similar to the Physics program, but with an emphasis on the mathematical and theoretical sides of physics.
Medicinal Chemistry
Co-op only
Explore the science of drug delivery in this exciting program. You’ll be trained as a chemist and gain the skills for a career that involves the design, synthesis, and evaluation of potential drugs.
Physics
Co-op available
Physics is about understanding how the universe works: from quantum particles, quantum computing, and exotic states of matter, to Einstein’s curved spacetime and black holes. In one of Canada’s largest and most comprehensive physics programs, prepare for graduate studies or a wide range of careers requiring advanced problem- solving skills.
Physics and Astronomy
Co-op available
From black holes to the Big Bang, astronomers study the most fascinating phenomena in the universe. Learn from professors who are using satellites and telescopes to explore space. Prepare for careers in astrophysics and space science, or for graduate studies in astronomy or physics.
Unique combination programs
Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy
Bachelors of Science | Co-op only | Fast track to Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Prepare for roles in professional accountancy and advisory services in the growing biotechnology sector. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to earn your Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree within only 8 months — an optional next step in becoming a CPA.
Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP)
Bachelor of Science | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP) status is an exciting opportunity for outstanding high school students to be pre-admitted to the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy. With this opportunity, students are provided with a clear path toward achieving their goal of becoming a pharmacist.
Science and Aviation
Bachelors of Science | Commercial pilot license | Specializations
Earn a Bachelor of Science while completing flight training and earning your Commercial Pilot License. Focus on physics or earth sciences, or customize your studies to include courses from a range of scientific disciplines.
Specializations: Earth Sciences, Physics
Science and Business
Bachelors of Science | Co-op available | Specializations
This one-of-a-kind program in Canada provides a strong foundation in science along with courses in accounting, economics, marketing, computing, statistics, and human resources. Get the best of both worlds and graduate with a special degree. Become a scientist with solid business and presentation skills or a business professional who speaks the language of science.
Specializations: Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Physics
Graduate Programs
The Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo is one of Canada's leading institutions for graduate studies. In keeping with our hands-on philosophy, many programs incorporate practical experience through industry-related research projects, field work or practicums.
All units offer both Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
- Only specific programs offer both coursework and thesis stream options for a master's degree.
- All units allow direct-entry from a bachelor's degree into a five-year doctoral program. Exemplary candidates should have extensive research experience along with program requirements specified by each department to be considered. Students registered in this option are able to transfer to the master's program under certain circumstances.
Biology
Master of Science | Doctor of Philosophy | Specializations available
Do you have a keen interest in research? Do you enjoy teaching? Potential research areas include:
- Ecology and Environmental Biology
- Bioinformatics, Systematics and Evolution
- Physiology, Cell and Developmental biology
- Molecular Genetics
- Microbiology
Specializations: Water
Chemistry
Master of Science (Course & Thesis stream) | Doctor of Philosophy | Co-op available | Specializations available
With more than 150 graduate students and 39 faculty members, graduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Waterloo is one of the largest in Canada. Research in chemistry encompasses a broad range of topics relevant to life and environmental sciences, to the development of new materials and nanotechnology, but also to improving our fundamental understanding of the world surrounding us. The M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Waterloo offer exposure to world-class research on many subjects including the core areas of analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, materials, nanotechnology, organic, physical, polymer and theoretical chemistry. Our programs prepare our graduate students for fascinating careers in the industry, government and academia.
Specializations: Nanotechnology, Quantum Information
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Master of Science (Course & Thesis stream) | Doctor of Philosophy | Specialization available
Waterloo has earned an international reputation for outstanding research in earth and environmental science. Graduate studies focus on the interpretation of geologic and hydrogeologic processes, description and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic environments, and the response of geologic and hydrogeologic systems to human interference.
Specialization: Water
Pharmacy
Master of Science | Doctor of Philosophy
The School of Pharmacy graduate program strives to promote research spanning the spectrum from fundamental science to clinical care. Our graduate program champions this aim through the fundamental understanding and application of concepts, collaborative discovery and innovative, leading-edge research. Our goal is to train graduates who will be recognized for their expertise and leadership, while making significant contributions to the global scientific, academic and healthcare communities.
Physics and Astronomy
Master of Science (Course & Thesis stream) | Doctor of Philosophy | Specializations available
The graduate teaching and research program in physics and astronomy is offered jointly with the University of Guelph through the Guelph-Waterloo Physics Institute, one of the largest graduate physics and astronomy programs in Ontario.
Specializations: Nanotechnology, Quantum Information
Vision Science
Master of Science | Doctor of Philosophy
The Vision Science program in the School of Optometry and Vision Science offers specialities in the following fields:
- Biomedical Ocular Research
- Contact Lenses
- Optometric Education and Practice
- Low Vision Rehabilitation
- Vision and Ophthalmic Standards
- Visual Development and Refractive Correction
Professional Programs
Optometry
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
With a Doctor of Optometry degree from Waterloo's School of Optometry & Vision Science, you’ll have an education and the skills and knowledge to enjoy a successful career. Our four-year OD degree prepares you for a successful career as a registered optometrist.
Note: The Doctor of Optometry is a second-entry program meaning entrants must complete a compulsory set of university-level courses prior to entering the Optometry program.
Pharmacy
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | Co-op only
Become a health care leader and medication expert. Become a pharmacist. Apply to Canada’s newest and only co-op pharmacy program where you will enhance your learning on paid work terms and acquire sought-after skills in pharmacy business management. Our four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree prepares you to become a registered pharmacist (RPh).