Do the math that underpins economies
Get the best of both worlds in Mathematical Economics.
Split your time between economics and mathematics courses and develop a deep understanding of how the world works.
Today, economists depend on mathematical tools, data, and statistics to explain economic phenomena from how people make purchasing decisions at the grocery store to predicting the likelihood of a Bank of Canada interest rate change.
Offered jointly by the Faculty of Mathematics and the Department of Economics in the Faculty of Arts, the program uses quantitative methods to understand and represent economic theories – and to solve complex problems found in a wide range of economic systems.
As a graduate, you’ll enter the workforce ready to help build economies with banks, governments and financial institutions – or continue your education with master's and PhD programs.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in Mathematical Economics
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Have fun with other mathies. Get social! 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.
Your choice: four years or five. Gain 24 months of paid work experience through Waterloo's co-op program, the largest of its kind in Canada, or fast track your degree by choosing the regular stream of study.
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
- Market research analyst
- Software developer
- Sports analytics co-op
- Business analyst
- Broker digital support assistant
- Employment metrics 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 Economics 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.