Dr. Ranjana Bird, Dean of Graduate Studies
From the Dean
Welcome to the University of Waterloo Graduate Studies web site. If you are visiting this web site because you are considering graduate studies, or are just curious to find out what we have to offer at Waterloo, then allow me first to say a few words about graduate studies at Waterloo and the importance of a graduate education.
Our mission at Waterloo is to advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, both nationally and internationally, in an environment of free inquiry and expression. Recognized for its innovation and technology transfer, the University of Waterloo is a leader in co-operative and technology based education. Our goal has been to use our strengths to provide timely and relevant graduate education in all areas of study.
The University of Waterloo is committed to providing a vibrant learning environment, with strong academic programs, and a satisfying quality of life for all students. Teaching and research excellence is a priority at Waterloo. Our goal is to produce highly qualified “teaching/research scholars” to meet the teaching and research needs of the Nation. While completing their regular program of studies, Waterloo graduate students have the opportunity to obtain a Certificate in University Teaching which ultimately gives our students a decided edge in the national job market. Waterloo also boasts one of the largest Graduate Student Research Conferences in Canada. The conference was created to not only foster and promote interdisciplinary research on campus, but to help our graduate students develop their presentation skills while gaining recognition for their work as they share it with others. A recent initiative at Waterloo is the development of a housing complex exclusively for our graduate students. This development is designed to give our graduate students a sense of community to help enhance their graduate studies experience!
Graduate education is a partnership among all who are engaged in it. At Waterloo we consider our graduate students key partners in this process. Our graduate students are of paramount importance in positioning the University of Waterloo as one of the research intensive universities in Canada. The research conducted at Waterloo proves to be a vital driving force to the local, national and international economy and contributes in many ways to improved societal health.
There is an ever increasing demand for individuals with graduate education. If you are interested in personal growth and a curiosity driven education, where you will have the opportunity to enhance and apply your skills as a critical thinker and become an effective communicator and problem solver, then we hope your search for a graduate program will lead you to Waterloo!