Geospatial Data Science at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Leads to the Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geospatial Data Science. Over 80% of the world’s information has a location component to it. Geospatial Data Science combines computer science with geographic and environmental data analysis to devise data-driven solutions to complex problems. Waterloo is a leader in this field, ranking #1 in Canada and #20 in the world for remote sensing (Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025). Available in the regular system of study or the co-op system.

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

What you will study

About half of the classes you’ll take will be Geospatial Data Science and Geography courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo. Sample upper-year courses include Data Types and Structures, Advanced Remote Sensing Techniques, Computer Applications in Business: Databases, Artificial Intelligence in Geospatial Data Science, Geographic Information Systems Project.

Career pathways

Graduates often pursue careers in areas such as spatial analysis, land use, natural resources, consulting, engineering technology, and software development.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario applicants: Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Any Grade 12 U Mathematics course (minimum final grade of 70% is required); Admission average: High 70s. How to apply: Apply directly to this program 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

Explore more study programmes

Engineering