Get a degree that counts.
If you love numbers, symbols, and equations, we talk your language. At Waterloo — the world's largest centre for education in mathematics and computer science — we offer more than 500 different math courses.
After first year, you'll focus on one of the majors listed below. Depending on which one you choose, you can gain two years of paid work experience through Waterloo's co-op program, the largest of its kind in North America, or fast track your degree by choosing the regular system of study.
When you graduate, you’ll have all kinds of career options. Mathematics is the foundation of many fields of study, such as commerce, computing, engineering, and science — and essential for asking many fundamental questions about how our world works.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in one of 14 majors
Majors
Choose one of 14 majors at the end of first year.
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Get international experience. Round out your resume and broaden your cultural perspective with a term abroad. Earn credits at universities in 18 different countries, or spend a co-op work term with a company overseas.
Social and academic support. The student-run Mathematics Society organizes student/prof mixers, beach outings, and pie-filled Pi Day celebrations on March 14 (get it? 3/14?).
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience —and make money!
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- Actuarial analyst
- Data scientist
- Developer
- Instructional support assistant
- QA analyst
- Research assistant
- Software developer
- Web developer
Sample 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 co-op work-study sequence will depend on your major of choice. Below is an example of one possible sequence.
| 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 | - |
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus and Vectors
- Any 4U English
- One other 4U course
Recommended course: Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science
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.
How to apply?
Apply to Mathematics and choose a major at the end of first year. Once you've applied, you'll need to complete the Admission Information Form as part of the application process.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Evan Chang, our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.