Departments, Schools and Programs

At Waterloo Science, your program is your major, and you're in it from day-one. Waterloo Sciences offers 18+ entry programs with flexibility to change as you specialize. Although we give you a specific track to run on from day-one, most programs are flexible enough that you can still switch programs before your second year if you change your mind.

 

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

Biotechnology/Economics

Bachelors of Science | Co-op only

The only program in Canada to integrate biotechnology, economics, and paid co-op work terms. As a trained economist, help the world capitalize on breakthrough biotech products like tumour-fighting immune cells and oil-eating bacteria.

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

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

Pharmaceutical Science

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

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). 

Whether you want to lighten your load or study at a distance, online learning might be for you. The Faculty of Science offers a part-time online 3-year Bachelor of Science general degree.

 

Online courses are also available in astronomy, biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, environmental sciences, pharmacy, and physics. Visit the Centre for Extended Learning for a current list of course offerings.