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, practicums, or internships. Some programs are also available through the co-op system.

Our reputation for excellence and innovation provides our Graduate Students an edge in a competitive world. Many have gone on to promising careers in business, industry, and government along with major universities in Canada and around the world.

Master's degree programs

A Master of Science (MSc) is available in all departments in the Faculty of Science. Depending on the area of study, there is an option to obtain a (A) coursework-based degree or (B) thesis-based degree. These programs may take up to two years to complete.

(A) Coursework option - programs are designed to provide specific knowledge and skills that are required for particular professions. This option is for those looking to enter industry after completion instead of pursuing a PhD.

(B) Thesis option - programs require a large research component and deliver the academic stimulation and training that accompany research activity. This option is for those looking to eventually obtain a PhD.

PhD degree programs

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is available in all departments in the Faculty of Science. We offer direct-entry from a bachelor's degree and to those who have successfully graduated from a master's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized institution. This program is research intensive and involves components of coursework, in-field study, article submissions, and a thesis defence. This degree may take up to five years to complete.

*PhD Direct-entry from undergrad option: Exemplary candidates should hold extensive research experience along with program requirements specified by each department. Students registered in this option are able to transfer to the master's program under certain circumstances.

Biology

The Department of Biology offers strong graduate 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”.

Research areas include:

Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biodiversity and Evolution
Bioinformatics
Microbiology
Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology

Optional Water Specialization: The Collaborative Water Program enables students to work with experts from various academic fields and industry. Upon completing the program, students receive a specialist 'Water' designation on their degree.

Resources available to students: the Molecular Biology Core Facility, the Facility for Environmental Genomics and Biomarker Development, the Plant Growth Facility, the Molecular Microbiology and Bioinformatics Facility, a wet-lab facility for aquatic animal research, Electron and confocal microscopy, and the Canadian Phycological Culture Centre.

For admission information please contact:

A pril Wettig
Graduate Coordinator
Biology 1, Room 274A
519-888-4567, ext. 36392
awettig@uwaterloo.ca

Chemistry

With more than 150 graduate students and 39 faculty members, graduate studies in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo is one of the largest in Canada. Research encompasses a broad range of topics relevant to life and environmental sciences, to the development of new materials and nanotechnology.

Programs 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.

Examples of projects include:

Biotechnology
Drug delivery systems
Materials chemistry
Medicinal chemistry
Micro-separation techniques

Natural products structure
Photochemistry
Quantum information processing
Solid state electrochemistry
Ultrafast high-resolution electron imaging

Add an optional specialization:

Nanotechnology Collaborative Program: The first of its kind in Canada, students learn from a wide community of scholars within and outside their disciplines in both course and thesis work. Graduates receive a 'Nanotechnology' designation on their degree.
Quantum Information Collaborative Program: Waterloo is world-leader in quantum computing research. Students will participate in quantum-related research and take advanced courses on the foundation, applications and implementation of quantum information processing. Graduates receive a 'Quantum Information' designation on their degree.

For graduate admission information please contact:

Cathy Van Esch
Graduate Coordinator
Chemistry 2, Room 260C
519-888-4567, ext. 35086
cjvanesch@uwaterloo.ca

Earth and Environmental Sciences

Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Waterloo 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
Structural geology and mineral deposits

Research facilities include: geochemistry-isotope and geology laboratories, as well as equipment for subsurface, porous media; and groundwater flow investigation. The department provides ample state-of-the-art computing resources, notably the Groundwater Modelling Laboratory.

For admission information please contact:

Susan Fisher
Graduate Coordinator
Centre for Environmental and Information Technology, Room 2035
519-888-4567, ext. 35836
sfisher@uwaterloo.ca

Physics and Astronomy

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.

Current research includes:

atomic and subatomic physics (e.g. ion-solid interactions)
biophysics (e.g. membranes, neurophysiology and cryobiology)
photonics (e.g. confocal microscopy and scanning laser microscopy)
condensed matter physics (e.g. fluids, insulators, crystals, polymers and glasses, semiconductors, solar energy and electrochemical conversion, and surface physics)
molecular physics, theoretical physics, applied physics (e.g. audio and electro-acoustics)
astrophysics/astronomy, chemical physics and conductivity and superconductivity (e.g. theory of solids and metals and alloys).

Add an optional specialization:

Nanotechnology Collaborative Program: The first of its kind in Canada, students learn from a wide community of scholars within and outside their disciplines in both course and thesis work. Graduates receive a 'Nanotechnology' designation on their degree.
Quantum Information Collaborative Program: Waterloo is world-leader in quantum computing research. Students will participate in quantum-related research and take advanced courses on the foundation, applications and implementation of quantum information processing. Graduates receive a 'Quantum Information' designation on their degree.

For admission information please contact:

Kiley Rider
Assistant to the Director, Graduate Studies GWPI
(UW) Physics, Room 259 | (UG) MacN, Room 212
519-888-4567, ext. 37598
gwp@uwaterloo.ca

Pharmacy

The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy strives to promote 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.

Research areas include:

Pharmacokinetics - drug metabolism, modeling & simulation
Nanomedicine and drug delivery
Surfactant/polymer-based drug delivery
Microbial and molecular genetic biotechnology
Medicinal chemistry and drug discovery of anti-Alzheimer's agents
Molecular Pharmacology and Neurophysiology
Cell signaling and metabolic pathways
Nutraceuticals and treatment of leukemias
Therapeutics in treatment of solid cancers and their metastases
Clinical and Post-Marketing Phases of Drug Discovery
Pharmacy Practice Research
Pharmacist-delivered / pharmacist-led health services evaluation
Health Services Research
Rural seniors health services, geriatrics, pain & opioids
Pharmacy informatics: digital technology and medication management
Evaluation of Outcomes and Pharmacoepidemiology

For admission information please contact:

Melinda Recchia
Administrative Coordinator
Pharmacy, Room 4006
519-888-4567, ext. 21353
marecchi@uwaterloo.ca

Vision Science

Academic excellence is at the heart of the School of Optometry. This quality starts with award-winning faculty who are recognized both nationally and internationally for their research and teaching. Some of the world's most renowned research initiatives concerning eye care are underway, such as the development of an in vitro ocular toxicity assay. Vision Science graduate students play a vital role in making the program one of the best Vision Research institutions in North America.

Specializations include:

Healthcare, education and delivery
Neurosciences
Ocular biology and pathophysiology
Technology and optics

For admission information please contact:

Stephanie Forsyth
Graduate Coordinator
Optometry, Room 305
519-888-4567, ext. 35039
sforsyth@uwaterloo.ca