Bachelor Of Arts - Honours Arts - Philosophy (Co-op) at University of Waterloo - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

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Program overview

Earn your Philosophy degree from a department that ranks among the top in the world. The Philosophy program at Waterloo is designed to confront some of life's biggest questions, such as the nature of the human mind, the essence of a just society, and the foundations of a moral life. This program not only teaches critical reasoning but also prepares students for a wide range of careers, particularly in law and other fields that require analytical thinking and clear argumentation. With the opportunity to engage in co-op work experiences, students can apply their philosophical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their educational journey.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Philosophy program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in philosophy while integrating practical work experience through co-op opportunities. The program length is four years, allowing students to explore various philosophical topics and develop critical thinking skills.

Key features of the program structure include:

Co-op option available, providing students with relevant paid work experience.
Students can choose to study through either Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.
First-year students are encouraged to explore a second major and take an Arts First course.
Approximately 40% of the courses taken after the first year will be Philosophy courses.
Students can customize their degree by adding minors from various disciplines.

Co-op work terms typically begin in the second year, alternating between study and work every four months, allowing students to gain valuable experience while completing their degree.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Philosophy program offers several unique experiences that enhance the educational journey:

Co-op work terms that provide 20 months of paid experience in relevant fields.
Access to a wide variety of upper-year courses, covering topics from metaphysics to feminist philosophy.
Opportunities to engage in real-world applications of philosophical reasoning through co-op placements.
Small class sizes in first-year Arts courses, fostering collaboration and in-depth discussions.
Potential for joint partner programs that may enhance learning and career opportunities.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Philosophy program have a wide range of career options available to them in Canada. Some potential job titles include:

Citizen Services Officer – Work with government agencies to assist citizens in accessing services and information.
Global Service Provider – Engage in operations and support roles within large organizations like Cisco Systems.
Senior Systems Analyst – Analyze and improve systems within financial institutions such as BMO Bank of Montreal.
Early Childhood Educator – Apply philosophical principles in educational settings, fostering critical thinking in young learners.
Lawyer – Utilize analytical skills and ethical reasoning in legal practice, representing clients in various legal matters.
Analyst – Work with government departments like the Treasury Board of Canada, providing insights and recommendations based on data analysis.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts - Honours Arts - Philosophy (Co-Op) program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum overall GPA of 8.3 is required.
Prerequisite courses include English and Mathematics, with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, the following general requirements must be met:

Bàng Tốt Nghiệp Phố Thông Trung Học (Secondary School Graduation Certificate) is required.

It is advisable to apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner. For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Waterloo. Success in our programs requires a high level of English language proficiency.

You need to provide an English language test score if:

your four most recent years of full-time education have NOT been in an English-language school system AND
your first language is NOT English.

Required English Language Scores

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly to Waterloo's Office of the Registrar. Emails, faxes, and student copies of test scores are not accepted for admission.

Test	Minimum Score	How to Send Test Results
Internet-based TOEFL (iBT), including Home Edition and Paper Edition	90 overall, 25 writing, 25 speaking	Waterloo's institution code is 0996 and our department code is 00. We do not accept electronic TOEFL scores for undergraduate admissions.
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening	We accept the electronic Test Report Form (TRF). Waterloo's e-transfer institution name is University of Waterloo – Undergraduate OR University of Waterloo Admissions.
CAEL or CAEL online	70 overall, 60 per band, 70 writing, 70 speaking	You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo as a recipient institution.
PTE Academic	63 overall, 65 writing, 65 speaking	Send your Score Report Code or Registration ID to myapplication@uwaterloo.ca.
Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)	180 overall, 176 writing, 176 reading, 176 speaking, 176 listening	Go to the Candidate Results Online portal, input your ID and secret number then click on "Send my result."
Duolingo English test	The minimum requirement for tests completed before July 1, 2024 is an overall score of 120, with minimum Literacy and Production scores of 110. Tests completed after July 1, 2024 require an overall of 120 with Literacy and Production scores of 125 for direct entry to a Waterloo program.	Results will not be accepted without subscores. You must log in to your affiliated account and select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate as a recipient institution.
EFAS - English for Academic Success	75% overall in 400 levels, 75% in each of academic, oral, and writing	Your scores will be sent to us automatically by the English Language Institute.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!