Statistics degree
Get a degree that’s highly significant
In today’s data-driven world, statisticians are in high demand. Get the skills you need to help businesses market new products, researchers evaluate medical treatments, governments shape effective public policy, and more.
In one of the world’s top centres for statistics, you’ll learn to design experiments and surveys, explore and analyze data, simulate complex systems, and extract meaningful information.
You’ll also get experience in statistical computing, forecasting, mathematical modelling, and statistical process control — all skills that will make you highly marketable. Not to mention up to two years of paid work experience if you enrol in co-op.
Where you apply those skills is up to you. Our grads go on to work in a huge range of fields, including biology, business, engineering, environmental science, finance, manufacturing, and the health sciences.
What courses will you take in Statistics?
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, most of the courses you'll take will be in Statistics and Mathematics.
Note: you may also select advanced-stream courses for algebra, calculus, and computer science if you meet the requirements. Details will be sent during course selection in June.
This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
The majority of your required courses will be statistics courses, with additional courses in mathematics. 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.
Customize your degree
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one 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 Statistics
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Social and academic support. A perfect balance of fun and academic support, the student-run Statistics Club organizes parties, movie nights, prof talks, study-buddy sessions, and more.
Get serious work experience. Choose Waterloo's co-op program and add two years of paid, career-relevant work experience to your résumé.
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
- Data mining intern
- Analytics and data science
- Business analyst
- Data reporting analyst
- Financial analyst
- Quality assurance analyst
- Research 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.
What can you do with a degree in Statistics?
Waterloo Statistics graduates often pursue careers in business, financial market and data analysis, investment advisory, and more. They commonly work for governments, financial institutions, and technical companies.
Recent graduates
- Business Analyst — LoyaltyOne
- Market Analyst — Intelligence House
- Data Engineer — Shared.com
- Supply Chain Optimization Manager — Walmart Canada Corporation
- Business Intelligence — Bell Canada
- Investment Advisor — Investors Group
- Digital Data Analyst — Horizon
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 4U English
- One other 4U course
Recommended course: Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science
Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid-80s
How to apply?
Apply to Mathematics and choose Statistics as your major. 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.
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.
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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.