Get a degree that counts
If you love numbers, symbols, and equations, we talk your language. At Waterloo — the world's largest centre for education in mathematics and computer science — we offer more than 500 different math courses.
After first year, you'll focus on one of the majors listed below. Depending on which one you choose, you can gain two years of paid work experience through Waterloo's co-op program, the largest of its kind in North America, or fast track your degree by choosing the regular system of study.
When you graduate, you’ll have all kinds of career options. Mathematics is the foundation of many fields of study, such as commerce, computing, engineering, and science — and essential for asking many fundamental questions about how our world works.
Program highlights
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 co-op work term with a company overseas.
Social and academic support. The student-run Mathematics Society organizes student/prof mixers, beach outings, and pie-filled Pi Day celebrations on March 14 (get it? 3/14?).
- Available as a regular or a co-op program
- Available as a major and minor
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Mathematics
- Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics
Majors
Choose one of 14 majors at the end of first year.
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Ask a Faculty of Mathematics student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!
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!
By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.
Sample co-op job titles
- Actuarial analyst
- Data scientist
- Developer
- Instructional support assistant
- QA analyst
- Research assistant
- Software developer
- Web developer
Sample 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.
| 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 | - |
"The best thing about the program is the overwhelming support for students from teaching assistants and professors. Being in an environment that promotes hard work and learning inspires me to pursue my career goals!"Natalia, Honours Mathematics studentMathematics 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 high 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements
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.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.
