Welcome to Graduate Studies at the University of Waterloo. Waterloo has consistently ranked as Canada's most innovative university for the last 17 years (as recognized by Maclean's annual university rankings), and also regularly tops the reputational rankings in "Leaders of Tomorrow" and "Best Overall".
Waterloo has more than 100 graduate programs, and has been adding new programs at a rate of 5-10 per year. Examples of some of our new innovative and unique programs include:
- Canada's first online Master of Public Health (MPH) program with a professional practicum requirement
- Canada's first program in Nanotechnology, combining the strengths of three science and four engineering departments (new for 2010)
- A new Master's program in Computational Mathematics
- A new PhD program in Social and Ecological Sustainability (new in 2009)
- Programs in "Digital Humanities" incorporating new media
- An online Master of Engineering in Electric Power Engineering
Waterloo has also been an innovator in quality of student life. The strong partnership between the Graduate Student Association and the University led to Waterloo being the pioneer in introducing maternity leave programs for students 20 years ago. The current adoption and parental leave program is seen as a model for other universities.
The university is committed to an excellent student experience. Graduate student housing is available on-campus. We are looking forward to our tenth annual Graduate Student Research Conference, an opportunity for graduate students to acquire new skills and obtain recognition for their scholarly work. Faculty and students can enjoy lunch and relaxation - or the opportunity to share ideas - at the "Grad House", centrally located on campus. Students planning an academic career can obtain a Certificate in University Teaching. More than one quarter of our full-time graduate students are international students, coming from almost 70 different countries, providing a rich diversity of backgrounds.
We are committed to providing an excellent experience for graduate students. We look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Sue Horton
Associate Provost, Graduate Studies