Can scientists make it big in business? You bet.
Jumpstart your career with a one-of-a-kind degree that equips you with both scientific know-how and valuable business skills.
Science and Business at Waterloo combines studies in biology, chemistry, and physics with courses in economics, accounting, marketing, law, and entrepreneurship.
Focus your degree by specializing in one of three scientific disciplines, or take a broader range of courses tailored to your interests by remaining unspecialized. Meanwhile, in one of Canada’s top universities for business, you’ll work in small groups on case studies, business plans, and market analysis, as well as have the opportunity to gain paid work experience through the co-op stream.
When you graduate, the opportunities are many: this is a degree you can put to work in intellectual property, research, mutual funds, technical sales, business development, law, and a host of other fields.
Program highlights
Influence industry. Join WatSolve, our popular pro bono business consulting group that takes real science-related business problems and creates impactful solutions. Gain skills and make meaningful impacts while companies implement solutions customized to their needs. Win-win!
Connect outside of class. The Science and Business Students’ Association organizes beach days, BBQs, and end-of-term events… plus pre-exam breakfasts and résumé critiques.
- Available as a regular or co-op program
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Science and Business
- Offered by the Faculty of Science
What will you learn?
First-year courses
In your first year, you'll take a mixture of Science and Business, Accounting and Financial Management, and Economics courses to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes.
Learn more about courses you'll take for your Science and Business degree.
Customize your degree
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by specializing in one of the following.
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Get tips from Waterloo students
Sign up for insider advice that can help you now and in the future.
Monthly topics include how to choose a university program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact a Science student ambassador to learn about their experience.
Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Marketing research analyst
- Marketing and operation coordinator
- Validation & quality assurance analyst
- Laboratory technician
- Undergraduate research assistant
- Science peer tutor
- Sustainability project analyst
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2026).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70%)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics
Admission averages: Low 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply?
Apply directly to this program on your application.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Alisia, our Science recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.
