Statistics

A Statistics student posts a sticky note on a wall

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.

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 elective or STAT 230 – Probability
  • One elective

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 a list of courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

STAT 332 – Sampling and Experimental Design
STAT 430 – Experimental Design
STAT 436 – Introduction to the Analysis of Spatial Data in Health Research
STAT 443 – Forecasting

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

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!

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 2026).

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 2027).

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 degree in Statistics?

Waterloo Statistics graduates often pursue careers in business, market, and data analysis, investment advisory, and more. They commonly work for telecommunications companies, financial institutions, and software 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.

Tuition fees

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $9,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $9,000
International (visa students) $60,000
     
  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.

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.

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!

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.

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM) is a student-run club that welcomes all students (regardless of gender) to promote equality in STEM. Opportunities include skills workshops, discussions, homework help, and guest speakers.

Hack the North

As Waterloo Computer Science student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in competitions such as Hack the North. This hack-a-thon is the largest in Canada and hosted annually at Waterloo.

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. Once you've applied, you'll need to complete the Admission Information Form as part of the application process.

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.

Related programs

Biostatistics

Data Science

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

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