Applied Mathematics degree
Build models to save the world. No assembly required.
Apply mathematics to the real world with this hands-on program that combines mathematics with your interests.
Use math to help solve some of humanity’s most complex problems. Whether you use your degree to fight climate change, help discover medical breakthroughs, or understand the secrets of the cosmos, Applied Math brings math to life.
You’ll learn from experienced, award-winning professors who will help you understand the explanatory and predictive power of math, and how to formulate and analyze mathematical models.
Your practical knowledge in data science, analysis, and simulation will be transferable to a variety of careers including business, engineering, medicine, science, finance, and many more.
What courses will you take in Applied Mathematics?
First-year courses
You'll mostly take a mix of Mathematics and Computer Science courses to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes. After first year, the majority of your required courses will be Applied Mathematics courses, with foundational courses in Mathematics.
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.
After first year
The majority of your required courses will be Applied Mathematics courses, with foundational 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 in Applied Mathematics
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of these available specializations within Applied Math.
You can also include an option or one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in Applied Mathematics
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Add research to your résumé. Spend a term working with a Waterloo professor as a research assistant — and perhaps get published in The Waterloo Mathematics Review, which showcases undergraduate research.
Get international experience. Round out your résumé and broaden your cultural perspective with a term abroad. Earn credits at universities in 18 different countries, or spend a work term with a company overseas.
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
- Junior marketing analyst
- Mobile application developer
- Assistant survey methodologist
- Data scientist
- Financial analyst
- Instructional support assistant
- Web full stack developer
In co-op, 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.
There are options to have your first work term in the spring term after first year, in the fall of second year, or in the winter term of second year. This example shows your first work term in the spring term after first year.
| 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 | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
What can you do with a degree in Applied Mathematics?
Waterloo Applied Mathematics graduates commonly pursue careers in research, consulting, and development. They often work in financial institutions, universities, government, and for engineering firms.
The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!
Machine learning scientist
Develop advanced machine learning models that help computers recognize patterns, make predictions, and solve complex problems. You would combine mathematics, statistics, and programming to improve technologies used in areas like healthcare, finance, and artificial intelligence.
Computational scientist
Use mathematical models, simulations, and computing tools to study complex systems that are difficult to test in real life. You’d work on challenges related to climate science, engineering, biology, or physics, helping researchers better understand how systems behave.
AI research scientist
Explore new ways to advance artificial intelligence by developing algorithms and testing innovative ideas. This role combines mathematical theory, data analysis, and programming to create smarter technologies and solve challenging research questions.
Data scientist
Work with large amounts of data to uncover insights that help organizations make informed decisions. You’ll combine statistics, programming, and problem-solving to identify trends, build predictive models, and communicate findings in meaningful ways.
Machine learning engineer
Work on artificial intelligence systems that learn from data, like recommendation systems or self-driving cars. You’ll combine math, statistics, and coding to build models that improve over time.
Quantitative analyst (quant)
In finance, you might use advanced math to model markets and guide investment strategies. You would analyze large sets of financial data and build algorithms that help firms make smart trading decisions.
Engineering analyst
Apply math to solve engineering problems in areas like energy, manufacturing, or transportation. You’d model real-world systems and test solutions before anything is physically built.
Artificial intelligence specialist
Help design and implement AI-powered solutions that automate tasks and improve decision-making. You’ll develop intelligent systems for industries such as healthcare, technology, finance, or manufacturing while applying mathematical and analytical skills to real-world challenges.
Graduate studies and academia
If you enjoy research and continuous learning, you may choose to pursue graduate studies in mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence, or a related field. This path can lead to advanced research opportunities, teaching roles, or specialized careers that require deep expertise.
Research scientist
Investigate complex questions by applying mathematical methods to real-world problems. Whether working in industry, government, or academia, you would develop new models, analyze data, and contribute discoveries that help advance knowledge and innovation.
Each of these paths shows how applied mathematics isn’t just about solving equations—it’s about solving real problems. No matter which direction you choose, you’ll be building skills that are in high demand across many industries.
Learn about the future of careers in math, coding, and data.
Career success: a 90% employment rate after graduation
Waterloo is known for a rigorous and high-quality education – which helps Waterloo Math students be highly successful.
- Graduation rate of 86% compared to 79% for similar programs across Ontario.
- Over 90% are employed within six months of graduation!
- Waterloo students are 4X more likely to do an internship, co-op, field experience, or clinical placement in their first year than first-year students at other Ontario universities.
(Sources: Key performance indicators - University of Waterloo 2024, National Survey of Student Engagement 2023)



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
There are tons of opportunities to get involved within the Faculty of Mathematics as well as campus-wide clubs, sports and recreation, and an incredible range of events!
Women in Mathematics
The Women in Mathematics (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) 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 (WiSTEM)
WiSTEM is a student-run club that welcomes all students (regardless of gender) to promote equality in STEM through workshops, discussions, homework help, and guest speakers.
Hack the North
As a Waterloo student, you can participate in competitions such as Hack the North, Canada's largest hack-a-thon 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
Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid-80s
Recommended course
Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science
Not studying in Ontario?
Search our admission requirements.
For all students
- The Admission Information Form is required for admission.
- Participation in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest and/or the Euclid Mathematics Contest is not required for admission, but writing one of these contests is required for some scholarships offered by the Faculty of Mathematics.
How to apply
Apply to Mathematics and choose a major at the end of first year.
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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.
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