Get ready to solve industrial-sized problems
Learn to solve problems with computers than can’t be deciphered by humans alone.
Harness the power of computers to generate and run mathematical models. Then take the data to understand trends and find industrial-sized solutions.
You’ll dig deep into the intersection of advanced mathematics, statistics, optimization, and computer science to solve problems in business, finance, medicine, science, and technology. Analyze data, predict trends, and understand the world around you.
You’ll graduate with up to two years of co-op experience – and earn a unique skillset based on your grasp of mathematical and advanced computer science principles. This dynamic duo will help you stand out and power your high-tech career anywhere in the world!
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in Computational Mathematics
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
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.
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.
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
- Student programmer
- Junior web developer
- Data analyst
- Technical trading associate
- Software developer
- Data scientist
- Programmer analyst
Co-op work-study sequence
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 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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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.