Combinatorics and Optimization - Master of Math (MMath)

Mathematics 3 Building

Mathematics 3 (M3) Building on Waterloo's Campus

Explore exciting mathematical possibilities

Whether your interests lie in the study of discrete structures and related algorithms through combinatorics, or their applications to real world problems, the Master of Mathematics in Combinatorics and Optimization program seamlessly integrates both.

Research in this department emphasizes six fields: algebraic combinatorics, combinatorial/discrete optimization, continuous optimization, cryptography, graph theory, and quantum computing.  

Unlike other universities, where these subjects would lie in mathematics, computer science or operation research departments, here at Waterloo, we understand the interconnectedness of these fields – you’ll have the chance to use tools and ideas from other areas to further your own work.  

Get a solid academic experience with a variety of courses that span the discipline, preparing you to pursue further research at the PhD level, or pursue career across a wide range of industries from finance and banking to national defense and government services, to insurance and software and hardware.  

Research areas

  • Algebraic Combinatorics
  • Continuous Optimization
  • Cryptography
  • Discrete Optimization
  • Graph Theory
  • Quantum Computing

Program overview

Department/School: Combinatorics and Optimization
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Master's, Research
Length of program: 24 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis, Master's Research Paper

Application deadlines

  •  January 15 (for admission in September)
  •  July 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
  •  October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Key contacts

Combinatorics and Optimization Graduate Office

Supervisors

  • Review the finding a supervisor resources
  • Before applying to the program, students are strongly advised to establish contact with potential supervisors

Admission requirements

  • A four-year Honours Bachelor degree or its equivalent in mathematics or in a closely related field with a 78% overall average or its equivalent for undergraduate work.
  • Applicants educated outside of Canada, including those from the United States, are recommended to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) subject test in mathematics. Neither the GRE general test nor the GRE subject test is required.

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree

Application materials

  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion

  • Transcript(s)

  • References
    • Three references are required, normally from academic sources
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees