Build models to save the world. No assembly required.
Use your understanding of mathematical concepts to solve complex problems in engineering, medicine, business, and science, from the behaviour of ocean waves to the structure of space-time.
In Applied Mathematics, you’ll deepen your knowledge of calculus and differential equations: the foundation for most mathematical models. You’ll have lots of opportunity to put those tools to work on real-life problems — in the classroom and, if you choose co-op, during your work terms.
Many of our Applied Mathematics graduates work in research, development, and consulting. Others pursue graduate studies in applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, or physics.
Either way, your Waterloo degree will open doors.
First faculty of mathematics in North America
Waterloo is an international leader in Mathematics
Admission requirements
Apply to Mathematics and choose Applied Mathematics as your major at the end of first year. 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.

Combine your interests in mathematics and science by adding an option in Biology, Economics or Physics to your degree.
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First-year Applied Mathematics courses and beyond
You may select advanced-stream courses for algebra, calculus, and computer science if you meet the requirements.
September to December
- MATH 115 - Algebra for Honours Mathematics
- MATH 137 - Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
- PHYS 121 - Mechanics
- CS 135 - Designing Functional Programs
- One elective
January to April
- MATH 116 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
- MATH 138 - Calculus 2 for Honours Mathematics
- CS 136 - Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
- Two electives
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 a list of all the courses required for your degree.
Customize your Bachelor of Mathematics degree
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
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
- Junior marketing analyst
- Mobile application developer
- Assistant survey methodologist
- Data scientist
- Financial analyst
- Instructional support assistant
- Web full stack developer
Sample co-op employers
- Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation
- Environment Canada
- Delcan Corporation
- Bell Canada
- Facebook
- North Inc
- The Hospital for Sick Children
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.
Recent graduates
- Research Assistant – Tufts University
- Strategy Analyst – Open Options
- Data Analyst – BMO Bank of Montreal
- Software Engineer – Instagram
- Quality Assurance Specialist – Maplesoft
- Computing Consultant – University of Waterloo
- Software Developer – Latitude Geographics
Learn about the future of careers in math, coding, and data.
Student life, including women in mathematics
Math Society (MathSoc)
MathSoc is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs and services as well as social and academic events to make your experience as a Waterloo Mathematics student the best it can be. There are many ways to get involved and to meet students in other Faculty of Mathematics programs.
Women in Mathematics
The Women in Mathematics (WiM) community encourages and advocates for women of all ages who are interested in studying math and pursuing a career in a related area. 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) promotes gender equity for students interested in studying computer science and pursuing career in computing. WiCS has a very active student-run committee and offers events such as the Big CSters mentoring program, workshops, a speaker series, and panels about diversity in computer science and STEM.
There's also Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM), a student-run club that welcomes all students (regardless of gender) to promote equality in STEM. Opportunities include skills workshops, discussions, homework help, and guest speakers.
"Being in the Faculty of Mathematics has given me lots of flexibility to try new things and discover different majors. I was able to take courses in many different disciplines within math which helped me to decide what I want to do after I graduate."Cody, third-year Applied Mathematics student
Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics degree in Applied Mathematics
Apply to Mathematics and choose Applied Mathematics as your major
Ready to learn more?
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.
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.
Visit our Waterloo Stories website to learn more about current research in Applied Mathematics at Waterloo