Get ready to solve industrial-sized problems
Today, it takes more than a calculator and a few equations to tackle many of the questions facing business and industry. That’s where you come in.
In Computational Mathematics you’ll learn to analyze data sets, formulae, and images in ways that help us understand the world around us and predict and influence the future.
There’s no better place to study it than Waterloo: we’re ranked among the world’s top 35 schools for math and computer science (QS 2021), and we're got one of the largest co-op networks too.
You’ll graduate with the skills to solve problems in areas such as biotechnology, business, economics, social media, engineering, finance, and medicine. And that means you’ll have no shortage of job opportunities.
Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics degree
Computational Mathematics admission requirements
Apply to Mathematics and choose Computational 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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Monthly topics include how to choose a program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, the differences between high school and university, and more.
Questions? Ask a student!
Contact a Faculty of Mathematics student ambassador to learn about their experience in the program.
Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.
First-year Computational 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 135 - Algebra
- MATH 137 - Calculus 1
- Choose one of:
- CS 115 - Introduction to Computer Science
- CS 135 - Designing Functional Programs
- One communication skills course
- Plus one elective
January to April
- MATH 136 - Linear Algebra 1
- MATH 138 - Calculus 2
- Choose one of:
- CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2
- CS 136 - Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
- Plus two electives
After first year
You'll take a variety of courses offered by the Faculty of Mathematics, including statistics, optimization, and computer science. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
See a full list of courses required for your degree.
Sample upper-year courses
AMATH 382 - Computational Modelling of Cellular Systems
CS 480 - Introduction to Machine Learning
CO 487 - Applied Cryptography
STAT 443 - Forecasting
Customize your Bachelor of Mathematics degree in Computational Mathematics
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
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
- Student programmer
- Junior web developer
- Data analyst
- Technical trading associate
- Software developer
- Data scientist
- Programmer analyst
Sample co-op employers
- KPMG LLP Canada
- Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
- Manulife Financial
- TD Bank Financial Group
- Desire2Learn
- Thomson Reuters
- Natural Resources Canada
What can you do with a degree in Computational Mathematics?
Waterloo Computational Mathematics graduates often pursue careers in software development, business, and data analysis. They often work for companies in sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and more.
Recent graduates
- Information Systems Analyst and Consultant – University of Waterloo
- Security Engineer – Arctic Wolf Networks
- Software Developer – TD Bank Group
- Senior Application Developer – Fairfax Financial Holdings
- Associate Analyst, Forecast and Measurement – IDC Canada
- Data Scientist – Stitch Fix
- Software Test Specialist – Magnet Forensics
Learn about the future of careers in business.
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.
Ready to learn more?
Add research to your résumé
As an undergraduate research assistant, you could spend a term working with one of our award-winning professors on a research problem.
Your choice: Four years or five
Gain 24 months 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.
Available as a 
Apply via Honours Mathematics 
