Program News
New Programs
New for 2018
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Data Science
Data-driven decision making is quickly becoming the standard in almost every industry, creating an unprecedented demand for data-oriented professionals across a wide range of industries, organizations and disciplines. Advances in hardware, software and statistical techniques are giving rise to automated methods to analyze patterns and models for all kinds of data, with applications ranging from scientific discovery to business intelligence and analytics. Given the sheer volume of the data sets in question, it is nearly impossible to extract useful information without some degree of mathematical guidance and programming expertise.
The first undergraduate degree of its kind in Canada, our Data Science program seeks to address these data-related needs of the modern business and industry. As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared for many and diverse career opportunities through your study of mathematics, statistics, data analytics and computing technologies and methods. You’ll also take courses in computer science, data analysis, business and economics.
Students can choose to concentrate in Financial Risk Analysis or Big Data. Both concentrations will prepare you for a diverse set of careers, and for the Financial Risk Analysis concentration, many of these careers could be in the financial and insurance industries.
New for 2017
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry and Physics
Chemistry touches every aspect of our lives. The study of the complex molecular world – a world that exists at the submicroscopic level – is a discipline of enormous scope. Physics is the science that deals with the properties and interactions of matter, energy and force.
The focus of the Chemistry and Physics program is on materials and nanoscience, which are areas of increasing importance in today’s world. Nanoscience is the study of phenomena on a nanometer (one billionth of a meter) scale. On this scale, structures have properties that are very different from those of the bulk material. For example, whereas bulk gold is inert, gold nanoclusters have been shown to catalyze a variety of chemical reactions.
In this program, you'll take a breadth of courses in materials science and quantum mechanics. Your education in both fields will enable you to continue your education or pursue diverse science and science-related professions.
Bachelor of Music (BMus) in Community Music
Our concentration in Community Music takes your love for music and teaches you how it relates to the world around you, inspiring you to become an engaged and educated musician. Students in this concentration develop personal and collaborative musical skills through creative participatory experiences. In addition to addressing multi-genre music experiences and methods, Community Music offers the opportunity for interdisciplinary study in collaboration with other faculties and departments.
New for 2016
Lazaridis School of Business and Economics
Laurier's world-renowned School of Business and Economics has officially been named in honour of visionary technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Mike Lazaridis. Laurier is poised to become a global centre for research and teaching related to the leadership of technology companies, thanks to a $20-million donation by Lazaridis and a contribution of $15-million from the Ontario government, both announced earlier this year. The combined $35-million will support the creation of the Lazaridis Institute for the Management of Technology Enterprises, which will be part of the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics. Laurier opened the brand new Lazaridis Hall, a $103-million state-of-the-art facility, in spring 2017.
Law Degree (LLB at University of Sussex, UK) and Arts Degree (BA at Laurier)
Laurier has signed an agreement to affiliate with 1 of the world’s top 100 educational institutions to offer students an opportunity to earn a Laurier Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Political Science and a law degree (LLB) from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom (UK), in 6 years. Learn more about the new BA/LLB program.
Applied Water Science (BSc)
Our Applied Water Science program will provide you with the tools and expertise to address how water resources, and increasing demands and pressures upon these resources, are affected by climate change. You will be trained in the underlying scientific principles and theory pertaining to the physical, chemical and biological properties of water, as well as focus on how these scientific principles can be applied to improve the management and conservation of water and land resources.
Entrepreneurship Core
The Entrepreneurship Core will take students through the entrepreneurial process, providing knowledge, skills, structures, guidance, mentorship and resources for starting new ventures. It will provide students with the academic foundation for a career in new ventures, in investment, or in entrepreneurial organizations.
This core will enable students to bring creative ideas to fruition and providing the academic foundations for starting an entrepreneurial venture or managing an entrepreneurial organization upon graduation.
This core is available to students in Science, Business, Economics or Music at the Waterloo campus. Arts students in Waterloo are encouraged to take advantage of our Social Entrepreneurship Option, which is similar in nature, but designed to fit with the Arts curriculum.
Management Option – Direct Entry
While you complete your degree in an arts, economics, science or music program at the Waterloo campus, our Management Option will provide you with an understanding of the core principles of the business world, including accounting, marketing, human resources, operations, policy, and finance.
You can now apply directly to the Management Option in first year, if you have an incoming average of low- to mid-80s. You will complete 4.0 credits for the option, including BU111 – Understanding the Business Environment and BU127 –Introduction to Financial Accounting; 1 of EC120 or EC140 – Introduction to Microeconomics or Macroeconomics; and 1 Statistics course from your program of study.
Program Changes
Bachelor of Music (BMus) Concentration: History, Theory and Critical Analysis
Our Music History and Music Theory concentrations have been combined into a single concentration: BMus in History, Theory and Critical Analysis.
Music History, Theory, and Critical Analysis allows students to emphasize the academic and research-oriented courses in music. It serves as excellent preparation for graduate work in musicology, music theory, library science, or other allied disciplines for which a strong foundation of academic courses, research and analysis skills are important.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Concentration: Marketing Communications
The Brand Communication and Management concentration in our Bachelor of Business Administration program has changed its name to "Marketing Communications".
Our program uses a comprehensive approach to business. You’ll begin by taking courses that cover all of the foundational areas of business and then develop specialized knowledge in your area of focus. You will have the opportunity to explore all of our 10 concentrations before specializing in your fourth year.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology: Neuroscience
Students can now pursue our Bachelor of Science in Psychology and choose our new Neuroscience stream through Laurier's Faculty of Science.
Neuroscience examines the structures, functions and workings of the brain and nervous system and its interaction with our bodies and environment. The BSc in Psychology and Neuroscience offers a strong foundation in both psychology and the exploding field of neuroscience, along with knowledge of the biology and genetics of behaviour.
Medieval & Medievalism Studies (BA)
Our Medieval & Medievalism Studies (formerly Medieval Studies) analyzes and applies cultural materials from the Middle Ages (c. AD 500-1500). These materials include myths, philosophy, theology, combat, fine arts, literature, history, politics, music, economics, and architecture, among others. Our program is unique in North American because of its emphasis on the medieval past and its representation in later periods, including our own. This dynamic field of study is known as “Medievalism”.
Admissions Updates
The English admission requirement for our BSc Data Science* program has changed.
Data Science Admission Requirements:
- Admission range of low 80s.
- English at 70%.
- Advanced Functions at 80%.
- Calculus and Vectors at 80%.
*This program is pending approval from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.