Written by Layanne (she/her), student
You’re good at math and know you want to pursue it, but the challenge is figuring out how to turn that passion into a university program (and eventually a career). Sound familiar?
Many students know they love math but aren’t quite sure how it can be applied in the real world. What many people don’t realize is just how many unique paths exist within Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics.
But how do you figure out which path to choose?
Think about what you enjoy most in math
There are so many different areas of mathematics, and not all Waterloo Math students are interested in the same things.
Some students enjoy working with data and finding patterns; others love coding and computing, and some enjoy the financial side of math. That’s why, when choosing a math program, it’s important to start by thinking about which areas of math excite you most.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you like working with data, finding patterns, and using evidence to make predictions?
- Are you interested in finance, economics, and understanding risk?
- Do you enjoy using math, technology, and computing to solve real-world problems?
- Do you love solving puzzles, thinking logically, and finding the most efficient solution to a problem?
- Are you fascinated by mathematical ideas, proofs, and theories?
- Do you want to share your passion for math and help others learn?
- Are you interested in more than one area and want the flexibility to explore?
The areas of mathematics you’re naturally drawn to can help point you toward the program you’ll enjoy and thrive in the most!
I have always wanted to change the world and help people. I know there are a lot of different areas I could have gone into in Math, but for me, it's all about the end impact. Health care has changed so much in the last 20 years, and I want to be part of that change, so I chose Biostatistics.
Understand your options
Before you start narrowing down your program options, it’s helpful to understand the difference between direct-entry and general first-year programs, which are the two program structures offered by the Faculty of Mathematics.
Some Faculty of Mathematics programs are direct entry, meaning you apply to the program you’re interested in and begin your studies in that area in your first year. This includes most of Waterloo's math, business and accounting, and computer science programs, like our Data Science program and double degree programs offered in partnership with nearby Wilfrid Laurier University.
But for many of our math programs, you’ll apply to Honours Mathematics and declare your major later. You’ll get your feet wet by trying a lot of different things, and you can combine your interest in math with other passions such as science or arts. It’s your chance to discover everything from combinatorics and optimization to statistics, and then pursue the path that interests you most.
Choose a program or major
Which of these sounds most like you?
Based on your earlier reflections, what math subjects interest you most? Learn more about the programs, skills, and career paths connected to them. The programs that support your interests and goals are the ones worth exploring!
If you like working with data, finding patterns, and using evidence to make predictions
You might like exploring:
These programs focus on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to make predictions, solve problems, and support decision-making.
Data Science combines statistics, programming, and mathematics to solve problems. Statistics focuses on analyzing data and making predictions. Biostatistics applies those same concepts to health care and medical research. Along the way, you’ll develop valuable skills in data analysis, mathematical modelling, programming, forecasting, statistical process control, critical thinking, and problem-solving that can prepare you for careers such as:
- Data scientist
- Business analyst
- Data engineer
- Bioinformatician
- Biostatistician
If you're interested in finance, economics, and understanding risk
You might like exploring:
In these programs, you’ll explore the mathematics behind everything from insurance and investments to financial markets and the broader economy. Along the way, you’ll build valuable skills in financial and mathematical analysis, risk assessment, quantitative risk management, forecasting, and problem-solving that can prepare you for careers such as:
- Financial business analyst
- Risk modelling analyst
- Investment analyst
- Quantitative portfolio manager
- Marketing data specialist
If you enjoy using math, technology, and computing to solve real-world problems
You might like exploring:
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics with Scientific Computing and Scientific Machine Learning
- Computational Mathematics
- Information Technology Management
- Mathematical Physics
In these programs, you'll learn how to use mathematics, computing, and technology to solve complex real-world problems.
Whether you're building mathematical models in Applied Mathematics, applying artificial intelligence and numerical models to scientific challenges, combining advanced mathematics with computer science, connecting technology and business, or using mathematics to understand the laws of the universe, you'll develop valuable skills in mathematical modelling, programming, scientific computing, computational thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving. These programs can prepare you for careers such as:
- Software engineer
- Computational scientist
- Information systems analyst and consultant
- Business systems analyst
- Front end engineer
If you love solving puzzles, thinking logically, and finding the most efficient solution to a problem
You might like exploring:
In these programs, you'll learn how to use mathematics to optimize systems, allocate resources, and solve complex problems efficiently for a wide variety of industries.
Whether you're optimizing flight schedules, designing algorithms, improving supply chains, or building a game schedule for major-league sporting events, you'll develop valuable skills in logical reasoning, mathematical modelling, optimization, decision making, and problem solving that can prepare you for careers such as:
- Statistical analyst
- Software engineer
- App software developer
- IT architect
- Health information analyst
If you're fascinated by mathematical ideas, proofs, and theories
You might like exploring:
In this program, you'll go beyond mathematical formulas and explore the foundations of mathematics through topics like geometry, number theory, and logic. Along the way, you'll develop valuable skills in logical reasoning, abstract thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical proof that can prepare you for careers such as:
- Quantitative analyst
- Threat intelligence analyst
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Executive developer
If you want to share your passion for math and help others learn
You might like exploring:
In this program, you'll combine your passion for mathematics with hands-on teaching experience while building a strong foundation in a variety of math subjects or focus on an area of your choice. You'll gain eight months of paid teaching experience before applying to a Bachelor of Education program, and you'll develop valuable skills in mathematics, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and mentorship that can help prepare you for careers such as:
- Mathematics teacher
- Computer science teacher
- Instructor
- Education program co-ordinator
- Curriculum developer
If you're interested in more than one area and want the flexibility to explore
You might like exploring:
In this program, you'll have the flexibility to explore multiple areas of mathematics and build a degree around your interests. Whether you're drawn to algebra, calculus, statistics, combinatorics, computer science, or several different topics, you'll develop valuable skills in whatever areas you choose along with transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability that can prepare you for careers such as:
- Systems analyst
- Platform optimization
- Database analyst
- Program manager
- System report analyst
Ready to begin your journey?
Here are more resources to help you along the way:
- Explore careers a math degree can lead to. The possibilities are endless.
- From Applied Mathematics to Pure Mathematics, get the details on every Math program offered.
- Want a tour of the faculty? Book a campus tour.
- Call the MathInfo line at 519-888-4567, ext. 36284 for a friendly chat with a real person.
- Ask your questions by email if you prefer.
- Have questions you want to ask a student? Connect with a current Math student.
- Check out these cool stories from students in the faculty.
Related articles
Why I'm studying Mathematics at Waterloo
Claire chose the University of Waterloo because she wanted to study math, and believed that Waterloo was (and still is!) the best school in Canada for math, simple as that. What she wasn’t really expecting was to fall in love with the new community she found herself in.
What's the best way to prepare for first-year math?
Are you gearing up for your first year of math? Discover the value of residence tutoring, the power of study groups, and why engaging with your professors can make all the difference. Ready to conquer your first year? Dive into this comprehensive guide to get prepared and stay ahead!
Building your problem-solving potential
From growing up “in awe of Siri” to experimenting with machine learning models in university, Navya’s journey to the Faculty of Mathematics at Waterloo has one major theme: “I was intrigued by the raw expression of innovation. The opportunity to build something. Anything.”