Environmental Sciences at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences. Get a solid grounding in earth science and biology and still have lots of room to explore environment-related courses in ecology, aquatic ecosystems, geology, hydrology, and more. You’ll learn about climate change, groundwater flow and contamination, responsible extraction of Earth resources, waste disposal, human engineering of Earth processes, as well as the impacts of and methods to treat pollution. Focus your degree with a specialization Available in the regular system of study or the co-op system.

Faculty: Faculty of Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

You'll choose one of three specializations after first year. Sample upper-year courses include Geological Impacts on Human Health, Geomorphology and GIS Applications, Quaternary Geology, Applied Wetland Science, Physical Hydrogeology.

Career pathways

Your career path will depend on your interests. If you're interested in a specific topic, you might continue on to a specialized Master's degree.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario applicants: Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Two of: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics; Admission averages: Low 80s. How to apply: Apply to this program directly on your application.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to December), winter (January to April), spring (May to August). Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies can start in the winter, spring or fall term.

Applications for September 2027 entry close on 1 February 2027 for programs other than Engineering (documents due 15 February 2027) and on 15 January 2027 for Engineering programs other than Architecture (documents due 1 February 2027). International students have the same deadlines. Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies: winter 2027 applications close 30 October 2026 for degree and non-degree (13 November 2026 for post-degree); spring 2027 applications close 26 February 2027 for degree and non-degree (12 March 2027 for post-degree). Optometry closes 12 November 2026 and Pharmacy closes 6 January 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/how-to-apply

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