The University of Waterloo is organized by academic units which offer a variety of academic plans leading to degrees and diplomas at undergraduate and graduate levels. These units, or Faculties, include: Applied Health Sciences, Arts (including the Independent Studies Program), Engineering, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, and Science.
Within the faculty framework are various academic departments and schools. The broader University community includes the federated university and three affiliated colleges which share in the delivery and administration of academic programs and offer student residence facilities. These institutions are described in more detail below.