We are more than the sum of our parts. Building one of the world’s top innovation institutions goes well beyond a singular effort.

Great institutions, like great teams, succeed when individual strengths combine in a catalytic environment.

The University of Waterloo is built on the strength of six remarkable Faculties. Individually, each is home to world-changing research, extraordinary teaching and support for education that is rooted in experience. But truly extraordinary research, discovery and learning take place in Waterloo’s innovation ecosystem, where these Faculties connect and collaborate, bringing together discipline-specific knowledge to challenge, discover and build something more.

Applied Health Sciences

Better health for people and populations

Committed to improving the quality of life for individuals and communities through innovative education and research activities, the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences is a leader in the development of strategies that prevent disease and injury, protect and promote healthy living, optimize physical ability and improve well-being across the life course. Through the world’s first department of kinesiology, the department of recreation and leisure studies and the School of Public Health and Health Systems, the Faculty encompasses the full scope of research-to-practice-to-policy, enhancing quality of life for individuals, communities and populations through transdisciplinary teaching and research.

Applied Health Sciences by the numbers

• 7 Undergraduate programs
• 13 Graduate programs
• 2,600 students
• Schools:
  • School of Public Health and Health Systems

Arts

Understanding the human condition

Dedicated to research, teaching, and practice in a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and creative arts, the Faculty of Arts is home to one of the most highly-cited departments of psychology in North America, a campus dedicated to advancing digital arts and business innovations and a professional school producing Canada’s top accounting graduates. From fine arts to global governance, Arts scholars and researchers increasingly branch out into multidisciplinary collaborations and cross-sector research networks connecting academic, industry, community and government partners.

Arts by the numbers

• 24 Undergraduate programs
• 37 Graduate programs
• 7,700 students
• Schools:
  • School of Accounting and Finance

Engineering

Educating the engineer of the future

Founded to realize a vision to educate a new generation of engineers, the University’s first Faculty is the largest engineering school in the country and ranked among the top 50 worldwide. Recognizing creativity and research as keys to problem solving, the Faculty of Engineering engages 100 per cent of undergraduate students in co-operative education and embraces multidisciplinary approaches in its programs, some of which include biomedical, mechatronics, nanotechnology and environmental engineering.

Engineering by the numbers

• 14 Undergraduate programs
• 26 Graduate programs
• 8,800 students
• Schools:
  • School of Architecture

Environment

A sustainable future for the planet

Dedicated to using its unique position as a leading teaching and research institute for the environment, the Faculty of Environment creates sustainable solutions needed to address the complex challenges facing our world. By fostering a collaborative community of engaged students, faculty, staff and alumni, the Faculty conducts impactful research that transcends disciplinary boundaries to address critical environmental and societal issues and inspire environmental action.

Environment by the numbers

• 8 Undergraduate  programs
• 11 Graduate programs
• 2,520 students
• Schools:
  • School of Environment, Enterprise and Development
  • School of Planning

Mathematics

A calculated success

North America’s only standalone Faculty of Mathematics is the largest concentration of mathematical and computer science talent in the world. A powerhouse of discovery and innovation, the Faculty is home to world-leading research and teaching, driving advances in fundamental and applied fields including information security, human health and financial risk management. Committed to outreach, curricular and enrichment support, the Faculty’s Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing each year engages more than 200,000 elementary and secondary school students around the world with mathematics and computer science contests, workshops and other resources.

Mathematics by the numbers

• 21 Undergraduate programs
• 40 Graduate programs
• 7,668 students
• Schools:
  • David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science

Science

At the forefront of discovery

A defining spirit of innovation and bold discovery lies at the core of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science — where cutting-edge, world-class research shapes our understanding of the world around us and turns today’s imaginings into tomorrow’s realities. The Faculty’s commitment to experiential learning through laboratory-based courses, field work, clinical rotations and co-operative work terms helps students excel and prepares them for rewarding and successful careers. It is the home of Velocity Science — an entrepreneurial discovery space that empowers student creativity and innovation.

Science by the numbers

• 13 Undergraduate programs PLUS 4 cross-Faculty degree programs
• 26 Graduate programs
• 6,324 students
• Schools:
  • School of Optometry and Vision Science
  • School of Pharmacy