Graduate programs

Students walking to physics building

Learn from world-renowned researchers that put you at the cutting edge of discovery. Many of our graduate programs include unique specializations and incorporate practical experience through research projects, fieldwork, practicums and internships.

Research-based master’s and doctoral degrees

Biology
Biology - Water specialization
Chemistry
Chemistry - Co-op
Chemistry - Nanotechnology specialization
Chemistry - Quantum Information specialization
Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences - Water specialization
Pharmacy
Physics
Physics - Nanotechnology specialization
Physics - Quantum Information specialization
Vision Science
Vision Science - Aeronautics specialization

Course-based master's degree

Physics – Quantum Technology specialization
 

Accelerated master's and doctoral degrees

Physics - Accelerated PhD
Vision Science - Accelerated MSc
Vision Science - Accelerated PhD

Department of Biology

student working in lab

Biology: MSc and PhD

Research-based programs aimed at understanding life and biological systems on a fundamental level with a purpose to inspire scientific discovery that empowers humanity to transcend global challenges. Potential research focus areas.


Biology (Water specialization): MSc and PhD

The Collaborative Water Program, co-ordinated by the Water Institute, enables you to work with experts from various academic fields and industry. You will complete specific training in the Department of Biology and work with others across 11 different academic units. Potential research focus areas.
 

Department of Chemistry

Woman talking

Chemistry: MSc and PhD

A joint program with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Guelph, it offers exposure to world-class research on many subjects including the core areas of analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, materials, nanotechnology, organic, physical, polymer and theoretical chemistry. Research encompasses a broad range of topics relevant to life and environmental sciences, to the development of new materials and nanotechnology, but also to improving the fundamental understanding of the world surrounding us.

The master's program is either thesis-based or includes a research project.
 

Chemistry (Co-op): MSc and PhD

The academic requirements are the same as in the Regular Thesis Option, but at least two of the required four courses must be completed during the first two terms in the program. Following the second term, the student will spend two terms (eight months) working in an industrial or government laboratory, upon completion of which they must present a work report. Upon returning to the campus, the student will complete their course work, research, and prepare the master's thesis.

Note: The co-op option is only available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.


Chemistry (Nanotechnology specialization): MSc and PhD

The first of its kind in Canada, this program is jointly offered by the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and allows students to gain perspectives on nanotechnology from a wide community of scholars within and outside their disciplines in both course work and thesis work.

Key areas of research strengths include nanomaterials, nano-electronics design and fabrication, nano-instruments and devices and nano-biosystems.


Chemistry (Quantum Information specialization): MSc and PhD

The Institute for Quantum Computing, is a world-leader in quantum information research. Students will participate in quantum-related research and take advanced courses on the foundation, applications and implementation of quantum information processing. This program is a collaboration between the Institute for Quantum Computing, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Mathematics, and allows for a unique interdisciplinary research and learning environment.

This program is designed to provide students with knowledge of quantum information, including both theory and its implementations, advanced expertise in quantum information science and in home program disciplines, as well as training in research.
 

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

River in Alberta

Earth Sciences: MSc and PhD

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has earned an international reputation for outstanding research. Investigations focus on the interpretation of geologic and hydrogeologic processes, the description and interpretation of modern and ancient geologic environments, and the response of geologic and hydrogeologic systems to human interference.

Example fields of study include: Biogeochemistry and ecohydrology, earth surface processes, environmental and isotope geochemistry, geological engineering, groundwater and structural geology.

The master's program is either thesis-based or includes a research project.


Earth Sciences (Water specialization): MSc and PhD

The Collaborative Water Program, co-ordinated and supported by the Water Institute, enables students to work with experts from various academic fields and industry. As the most interdisciplinary water graduate program in Canada, students will have the opportunity to complete their specific training in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and work with others across 11 different academic units.

Research Disciplines: Aquatic ecology, aquatic microbiology, ecohydrology and biogeochemistry, groundwater, snow, ice, and glaciers, surface water hydrology and hydraulics, and wetlands and peatlands.

The master's program is either thesis-based or includes a research project.
 

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Physics building

Physics: MSc and PhD

The graduate teaching and research program in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is offered jointly with the University of Guelph through the Guelph-Waterloo Physics Institute. This is one of the largest graduate physics and astronomy programs in Ontario. Areas of research include: Astrophysics and gravitation, audio research, biophysics, condensed matter physics, optics and photonics, quantum computation and information processing, quantum matters and visual optics.

The master's program is either thesis-based, course-based or includes a research project/paper. Specialization options include:

  • The Quantum Technology specialization for the master's program is the only course-based option.
  • Perimeter Scholars International (PSI) is a collaborative master's program offered through Perimeter Institute and the University of Waterloo and includes a research project/paper and coursework. Prospective students must first apply to Perimeter Institute directly, and then to the University of Waterloo.

An Accelerated PhD program is also offered.

Physics (Nanotechnology specialization): MSc and PhD

The first of its kind in Canada, this program is jointly offered by the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and allows students to gain perspectives on nanotechnology from a wide community of scholars within and outside their disciplines in both coursework and thesis work.


Physics (Quantum Information specialization): MSc and PhD

Students will participate in quantum-related research and take advanced courses on the foundation, applications and implementation of quantum information processing. This program is a collaboration between the Institute for Quantum Computing, the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Mathematics, and allows for a unique interdisciplinary research and learning environment.

This program is designed to provide students with knowledge of quantum information, including both theory and its implementations, advanced expertise in quantum information science and in home program disciplines, as well as training in research.
 

School of Optometry and Vision Science

Optometry

Vision Science: MSc and PhD

The School of Optometry and Vision Science is home to some of the world’s most renowned research initiatives concerning the eye. With state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Centre for Ocular Research and Education and the Centre for Sight Enhancement, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with award-winning faculty who are recognized both nationally and internationally for their research and teaching.

Specializations include: Healthcare, education and delivery, neurosciences, ocular biology and pathophysiology and technology and optics.

Accelerated MSc and PhD programs are offered.

Vision Science (Aeronautics specialization): MSc and PhD

Students will gain an interdisciplinary perspective on aeronautics, which they can take with them in their future careers as scholars, researchers, and practitioners. The collaborative program is supported by the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA) and will enhance the expertise gained by researchers in vision science. Learn more about the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP), an entirely new approach to master’s and doctoral studies in aeronautics.
 

School of Pharmacy

student on computer

Pharmacy: MSc and PhD

The School of Pharmacy promotes research spanning the spectrum from fundamental science to clinical care. The graduate program champions this through the fundamental understanding and application of concepts, collaborative discovery, and innovative research. After study completion, students will be recognized for their expertise and leadership, while making significant contributions to the global scientific, academic and healthcare communities.

Waterloo Pharmacy faculty collaborate with other researchers within the University of Waterloo as well as within other local and international universities. Beyond academia, collaborators include hospitals and clinics within the region and across the province, as well as government and industry partners. Major areas of study include: Clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics.

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