The 17 Bachelor of Science degree programs in À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's Faculty of Science are grouped into four main categories: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, multidisciplinary programs, and professional programs.
Read our tips on how to choose a program in the Faculty of Science!
Life Sciences and Physical Sciences
Life Sciences and Physical Sciences are "entry programs" that group most of our science degrees for the application process. An entry program is what you apply to through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre to get access to the major (Bachelor of Science degree program) you'd like to study.
If you receive an offer of admission, your offer will say either Life Sciences or Physical Sciences, depending on which major you applied to. Don't worry though! You'll be enrolled in your major of choice and start your studies in your major on your first day.
Below are the subjects of major interest that fall under each entry program.
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
The Life Sciences and Physical Sciences labels are only important when you apply for admission through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
Multidisciplinary programs
For the programs listed below, you can apply directly to them through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
Professional schools
School of Pharmacy
There are two ways to apply.
1. Apply to Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP). To begin the application process, you must first apply for admission to one of the recommended À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Science programs* through the OUAC. In order to apply for CAP status you must submit a separate OUAC submission. If your application is successful, you’ll have a place reserved for you in the PharmD program in two years. Please find all details on the School of Pharmacy website.
*Recommended À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Science programs
- Honours Science
- Biology major (Life Sciences program)
- Biomedical Sciences major (Life Sciences program)
2. Apply to the PharmD program in the fall term of your second year of your undergraduate degree. Complete at least two years of university in a À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Science program or another university or post-secondary program. Other institutions programs are given equal consideration. To ensure the program and/or courses you take meet the requirements, contact pharmacy@uwaterloo.ca.
School of Optometry
The Faculty of Science at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ offers three majors that will best prepare you for admission*. If you are interested in other majors, that’s fine, just note it will likely take you more time and possible degree modifications to achieve the academic requirements for Optometry admission.
- Honours Science
- Biology major (Life Sciences program)
- Biomedical Sciences major (Life Sciences program)
*BSc and programs in science fields from other institutions are given equal consideration.
Can't decide on a major?
Choosing a specific field of scientific study — and wondering if it’ll lead to a fulfilling career one day — is a critical step in predicting the you of the future. The key is to put time into figuring out where your passions and interests lie.
Common questions about applying to the Faculty of Science
Can I change my program or major?
Yes! You can request to change your program or major through the Science Undergraduate Office any time until the end of December of your first year. If you submit your request after that, we typically wait to see your final fall term grades before making the change effective for the winter term (January to April).
To understand how you can switch between majors and programs, the ‘What’s your science’ graphic in the how to pick a program in the Faculty of Science article is very helpful to show connections between programs.
Tips on choosing a program in the Faculty of Science →
What degree will I earn?
When you graduate, you'll receive a Bachelor of Science in your subject of major interest or program, e.g., Bachelor of Science in Biology or Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences.
Related questions
Can I apply to Life Sciences and Physical Sciences?
Yes, you're encouraged to apply to both Life Sciences and Physical Sciences if you're interested in both! However, keep in mind that we understand your interests might change and we offer flexibility to change your major/program once you are enrolled.
Can I apply to more than one major in Life Sciences or Physical Sciences?
No, you cannot apply to more than one major within Life Sciences or Physical Science. You can change your subject of major interest once you start your studies.
What if I can't choose between majors?
If you can't choose, Honours Science is a great choice because it offers a lot of flexibility in the courses you'll take. It's okay if you don't know what program/major you want because it's easy to change to a different one once you're enrolled.
Can I do two majors of interest within my degree?
No, that would be basically two science degrees at the same time and there are too many requirements you’d have to meet. However, you can customize and tailor your degree through specializations, options, and minors in the Faculty of Science.
Is co-op available?
Yes! Co-op is available in most Science programs except Honours Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Science and Aviation.
How do I apply to À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ?
You'll apply to À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre, which processes applications for each of Ontario universities.