Bachelor Of Science - Environmental Science 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 a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from one of Canada's top universities, the University of Waterloo. This program provides a solid grounding in earth science and biology while allowing students to explore a variety of environment-related courses. Students will delve into critical topics such as climate change, groundwater flow, responsible extraction of Earth resources, and pollution treatment methods. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through paid co-op work terms and field trips, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to contribute to a more sustainable world.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues and solutions. The program offers the following structure:

Program Length: Typically spans four years.
Students can choose to specialize in one of three areas: Ecology, Geoscience, or Water Science.
Co-op options are available, allowing students to gain relevant paid work experience.
Field courses are integrated into the curriculum, providing practical, hands-on learning opportunities.
Students have the flexibility to switch between specializations after the first year.

Whether students opt for co-op or a regular program, they will graduate equipped with the scientific knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges.

Featured Experiences

The Environmental Science program at the University of Waterloo offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Paid co-op work terms that provide real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Field trips that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings.
Access to over 25 field courses, covering diverse topics from hydrogeology to marine biology.
Hands-on skills development in areas such as groundwater and surface water sampling, geological mapping, and environmental assessment.
Collaboration with industry partners and research projects that enrich the educational experience.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Environmental Assessment Coordinator: Oversee environmental assessments and ensure compliance with regulations.
Environmental Scientist: Conduct research and analysis to address environmental issues and develop sustainable practices.
Geochemical Analyst: Analyze soil and water samples to assess environmental health and contamination levels.
Project Manager: Lead environmental projects, coordinating teams and resources to achieve project goals.
Scientific Support Technologist: Provide technical support in scientific research and environmental monitoring initiatives.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make meaningful contributions to environmental conservation and sustainability efforts.

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

Visit University of Waterloo official website

Last updated on 2025-11-18

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program at the University of Waterloo, the following Academic Requirements apply:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
Prerequisite courses:
- English and Mathematics with a minimum grade of 7.5 in each.
Overall average of 8.3 is required.

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 and 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!