Mathematics/Business Administration degree

two students talking in class

It's a simple equation: math + business = career success.

The value of a degree that combines business and mathematics? Incalculable.

Accounting, inventory management, marketing, financial analysis, and business forecasting. Today’s corporate world depends on big thinkers who not only understand the business world, but also have the mathematical and analytical skills to dig into data and build complex, technical solutions.

Take math courses from Waterloo's world-class Faculty of Mathematics, and business courses from the highly respected School of Business and Economics at nearby Wilfrid Laurier University.

You’ll learn how to use business principles to understand the corporate world and the mathematics needed to back up decisions that help propel companies to success. Stand out from your competition in the global business marketplace with your advanced quantitative and technical skills.

Your personal business plan starts here.

What courses will you take in Mathematics/Business Administration?

First-year courses

During your first year, you'll take a mix of foundational courses in Mathematics, Computer Science, and communications.

In your upper years, you'll take courses in statistics, finance, and computer science. You'll also explore classes in business and economics.

September to December

  • MATH 135 – Algebra for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 137 – Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • Choose one course from
    • CS 115 – Introduction to Computer Science 1
    • CS 135 – Designing Functional Programs
  • One communication skills course
  • One elective

January to April

  • MATH 136 – Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 138 – Calculus 2 for Honours Mathematics
  • Choose one course from
    • CS 116 – Introduction to Computer Science 2
    • CS 136 – Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
  • One communication skills course
  • One elective

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course if offered may change depending on availability. 

Note: You're encouraged to select two courses from AFM 101ECON 101ECON 102 and BU 111 using your first-year electives.

After first year

In upper years, you'll take courses in statistics, finance, and computer science in combination with business and economics courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

View all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

CS 330 – Management Information Systems
MATBUS 371 – Introduction to Corporate Finance
STAT 372 – Survey Sampling and Experimental Design Techniques for Business

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Once you're a student, advisors can help you explore which minors or specializations may fit into your plans.

Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics

Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in Mathematics/Business Administration

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
No

Social and academic support. Meet your Pink Tie profs. Test your limits in a 24-hour games marathon. Make professional contacts at speed networking events. Waterloo’s Mathematics Society organizes all kinds of academic and social activities throughout the year.

Two years of work experience. Gain 20 months of paid work experience through our co-op program, the largest of its kind in North America, or fast track your degree by choosing the regular system of study.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

  • Portfolio analyst intern
  • Business systems analyst
  • Consultant
  • Data analyst
  • Marketing/business development
  • Project management officer
  • Software developer
  • Technical finance analyst

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Your first work term will be after first year (May to August 2027).

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Co-op
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Study
Fifth Co-op Study -

or halfway through second year (which can be January to April 2028).

Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Co-op Study Co-op
Fourth Study Co-op Study
Fifth Co-op Co-op Study

There are options where you can have your first work term in the spring term after first year and your second work term after second year, or in the fall term halfway through your second year. 

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a math and business administration degree?

Waterloo Mathematics/Business Administration graduates often pursue careers in analysis, trading, accountancy, and more. They commonly work for consulting companies, government ministries, and accounting organizations.

Recent graduates

  • Senior Consultant – Deloitte
  • Business Analyst – Manulife Financial
  • Sales Analyst – EF Education First
  • Revenue Analyst – Challenger Motor Freight
  • Government, Risk, and Compliance Solution Specialist – Iceberg Networks
  • Investor Relations Specialist – Citco
  • Investment Analyst – Sun Life Financial

Read about how Marcelo used his Mathematics degree to build a billion dollar business.

Learn about the future of careers in business.

Student life in mathematics and computer science

MathSoc

Math Society (MathSoc) is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs, services, and social and academic events to make your experience as a Waterloo math student the best it can be.

Hack the North

Meet students from around the world by participating in competitions such as Hack the North, Canada'a largest hack-a-thon. It's hosted annually at Waterloo.

Women in Mathematics

The Women in Mathematics (WiM) community encourages and advocates for women of all ages who are interested in studying math and pursuing a career in a related area.

WiM strives for all genders to be well-represented in mathematics and welcomes people with under-represented gender identities.

Women in Computer Science

Women in Computer Science (WiCS) promotes gender equity for students interested in studying computer science.

WiCS is very active and offers events such as the Big CSters mentoring program, workshops, a speaker series, and panels about diversity in computer science and STEM.

Campus-wide activities

Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved, no matter how unique your interests. Between clubs supported by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, sports and recreation, and an incredible range of events, there's something for everyone at Waterloo!

Did you know?

Waterloo's degree completion rate for Mathematics programs is 86% compared to 79% for similar programs across Ontario.

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Advanced Functions
  • Calculus and Vectors
  • Any Grade 12 U English
  • One other 4U course
  • Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science is recommended

Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid-80s

We strongly encourage you to participate in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest and/or the Euclid Mathematics Contest to enhance your admissions status.

To be considered for entrance scholarships in the Faculty of Mathematics, you must write one or both of the contests. If you complete both contests, we'll use the results of the contest in which you performed best.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission. We'll email you detailed instructions once we receive your application.

Get information about programs, applying, and more!

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.