Master two of math’s most powerful techniques
Hone the skills you need to solve problems in computer science, business, communications, and more.
Combinatorics looks at permutations and combinations. Optimization explores ways to make any operation work more efficiently within given constraints. Together, they provide powerful methods for modelling and solving large management problems, from optimizing flight schedules to making a factory’s layout as efficient as possible.
In Combinatorics and Optimization at Waterloo, you’ll learn concepts such as enumeration, combinatorical designs, graph theory, linear programming, nonlinear optimization, operations research, and combinatorical optimization, and how to use them in real-world applications. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to gain paid work experience through the co-op program.
When you graduate, you can put your skills to work in areas as diverse as cryptography, electronic security, software development, social media, and risk analysis.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in Combinatorics and Optimization
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
Have fun with other mathies. Take a break from your studies. The student-run Pure Math, Applied Math, Combinatorics and Optimization Club offers talks, food, board games, and more.
Add research to your résumé. As an undergraduate research assistant, you could spend a term working on a research problem with one of our award-winning professors.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll 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
- Business technology analyst
- Data analyst
- Full stack developer
- Quantitative trading associate
- Software developer
- Software QA specialist
- Web interface developer
Co-op work-study sequence
In co-op, 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.
There are options to have your first work term in the spring term after first year, in the fall of second year, or in the winter term of second year. This example shows your first work term in the spring term after first year.
| 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 | - |
This example shows your first work term in the winter term of second year.
| 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 |
Career success: a 90% employment rate after graduation
Waterloo is known for a rigorous and high-quality education – which helps Waterloo Math students be highly successful.
- Graduation rate of 86% compared to 79% for similar programs across Ontario.
- Over 90% are employed within six months of graduation!
- Waterloo students are 4X more likely to do an internship, co-op, field experience, or clinical placement in their first year than first-year students at other Ontario universities.
(Sources: Key performance indicators - University of Waterloo 2024, National Survey of Student Engagement 2023)
MathSoc
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.
Campus-wide activities
There are tons of opportunities to get involved within the Faculty of Mathematics as well as campus-wide clubs, sports and recreation, and an incredible range of events!
Women in Mathematics
The Women in Mathematics (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) offers events such as the Big CSters mentoring program, workshops, a speaker series, and panels about diversity in computer science and STEM.
Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM)
WiSTEM is a student-run club that welcomes all students (regardless of gender) to promote equality in STEM through workshops, discussions, homework help, and guest speakers.
Hack the North
As a Waterloo student, you can participate in competitions such as Hack the North, Canada's largest hack-a-thon and hosted annually at Waterloo.
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
Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid-80s
Recommended course
Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science
Not studying in Ontario?
Search our admission requirements.
For all students
- The Admission Information Form is required for admission.
- Participation in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest and/or the Euclid Mathematics Contest is not required for admission, but writing one of these contests is required for some scholarships offered by the Faculty of Mathematics.
How to apply
Apply to Mathematics and choose Combinatorics and Optimization as your major at the end of first year.
Get information about programs, applying, and more!
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.
You can also check out the Faculty of Math on Instagram!