Your optimal future starts here.
The world is complex. There’s a mathematical problem-solving tool for that.
Optimization algorithms are quietly going to work all around you. From shipping schedules to food logistics and emergency room triage plans, optimization experts know how to use math to detect patterns, make the most of resources, and create the best possible outcomes in a wide variety of industries.
Start with a solid math foundation including combinatorics, forecasting, and computer simulation. You’ll learn the skills to draft the best possible schedules for airline crews flying around the world. Or build a game schedule for major league sporting events.
Optimization improves distribution efficiency for manufacturing companies, can help develop sophisticated tools for investors, and even find the best way to auction off radio frequencies to telecom companies.
There’s no better place to study optimization that Waterloo, home to the world’s largest concentration of combinatorics and optimization professors. Be here to experience it.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in Mathematical Optimization
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Learn from top researchers. There’s no better place to study optimization than Waterloo, home to the world’s largest concentration of combinatorics and optimization professors.
Your choice: four years or five. Choose co-op and gain two years of career-relevant work experience. Or choose the regular system and graduate a year earlier.
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
- Product Manager Intern
- Ad Operations Intern
- Internet Marketing & Analytics Intern
- Product Manager Intern
- Business 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.
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 Mathematical Optimization as your major. Once you've applied, you'll need to complete the Admission Information Form as part of the application process.
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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.