Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Science Degree

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree is a university program that focuses on a range of subjects, including chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, earth sciences, and many more. This degree is the first degree earned at university upon completing high school and normally takes three to four years to complete. Many programs offer flexibility in choosing courses to suit individual interests.

What is a Bachelor of Science Degree?

A Bachelor of Science degree is a university degree that focuses on various science subjects. It is the first degree earned at university and typically takes three to four years to complete. Other types of degrees include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath), and Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES).

What Do You Study in a Bachelor of Science Degree?

What Do You Do in a BSc?

A Science program involves more than just learning in lectures; it's about discovery and research through experimentation. A BSc can be more hands-on than many other degrees, providing access to labs, field work, exchanges, and opportunities to complete research projects.

What is First Year Like?

The first year in a science program can vary from university to university. Some programs have a general first year where everyone takes the same required classes, using elective courses to explore possible majors for the second year. Other programs start the major in the first year, giving maximum exposure to the desired science field.

Do You Take Labs in First Year?

In the first year, students can expect to take five courses with one or two associated labs in each term. Labs add complexity to university life but help students develop strong time management skills and participate in hands-on learning.

Pick a Skill, Any Skill

The skills gained in a BSc program, such as anatomy observation, formula wielding, and deductive reasoning, are valuable for careers like medical practitioner, chemist, astrophysicist, veterinarian, or environmental consultant. These skills are also transferable to careers in other fields, such as business or education.

What Majors Are in a Bachelor of Science?

Majors in a BSc can range from astronomy to zoology, depending on the university. At Waterloo, there are nearly 20 majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree, including:

• Biochemistry
• Biological and Medical Physics
• Biology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Chemistry
• Climate and Environmental Change
• Earth Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Health Sciences
• Honours Science
• Kinesiology
• Psychology
• Materials and Nanosciences
• Mathematical Physics
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Physics
• Physics and Astronomy
• Science and Aviation
• Science and Business
• Science and Financial Management

Your Future

Studying at college or university is a significant investment. A BSc degree opens up various career paths, driven by human curiosity to understand everything from the body to the environment. Graduates can pursue careers in research, academia, government, or industry, with skills that are transferable across different fields.

Co-op = Relevant Paid Work Experience

Through Waterloo's co-op program, students can explore potential jobs and gain experience, providing a solid foundation to discover new chemicals, conduct life-changing research, or create essential businesses.

Common Questions About the Degree

Is a Bachelor of Science a Good Degree?

A BSc degree is considered "good" as it prepares students for respected positions in society, such as doctors, nurses, and scientists. However, the degree's value depends on how it is utilized, and students are encouraged to boost their resume with volunteer or job experience.

What is an Honours Bachelor of Science?

An honours degree requires more courses and a higher grade point average (GPA) than a general degree. It typically takes four years to complete, compared to three years for a general degree.

What Science Programs Does Waterloo Offer?

Waterloo offers 20 science majors within the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Health, and the Faculty of Environment, as well as two professional programs: Doctor of Optometry (OD) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).

What High School Classes Are Needed?

Admission requirements vary from university to university but typically include high school courses in math, English, and at least one of the core sciences.

How Long is a BSc Program?

Most bachelor's degrees take three or four years to complete as a full-time student, depending on whether a general or honours degree is pursued.

What is a Bachelor of Applied Science?

At Waterloo, students graduating from the Faculty of Engineering receive a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in their major, while students graduating from the Faculty of Science receive a Bachelor of Science degree.

Is Psychology a Bachelor of Arts or Science?

Psychology can be either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science, depending on the university. The required psychology courses are often the same, with electives tending to be in either the sciences or the humanities and social sciences.

Is Computer Science a Science?

Some universities offer a Bachelor of Arts or a BSc in Computer Science. At Waterloo, students can earn either a Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) in Computer Science or a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS).