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.
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
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
- Junior marketing analyst
- Mobile application developer
- Assistant survey methodologist
- Data scientist
- Financial analyst
- Instructional support assistant
- Web full stack developer
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
How to apply?
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.
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Contact a Faculty of Mathematics student ambassador to learn about their experience in the program.
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Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Leanne Zonneveld, our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.