Your optimal future starts here.
Focus on problems where resources need to be allocated effectively in complex, dynamic, and uncertain conditions.
You'll start with a solid foundation in math, including combinatorics, linear optimization, modeling, scheduling, forecasting, decision theory, and computer simulation. On top of that, you’ll add courses in economics, business, and management science.
After first year, you'll choose one of 2 specializations: Operations Research or Business.
When you graduate, you’ll have all kinds of career options. You might enhance scheduling for airline crews and sports games, improve production and distribution efficiency for manufacturing companies, increase service quality and efficiency in healthcare administration, or develop sophisticated tools for finance and investments.
Your choice: 4 years or 5
Choose co-op and gain 2 years of career-relevant work experience. Or choose the regular system and graduate a year earlier.
Learn from top researchers
There’s no better place to study optimization than Waterloo, home to the world’s largest concentration of combinatorics and optimization professors.
About the Mathematical Optimization program
Available as a 
Apply directly to this program on your application
Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics in Mathematical Optimization
1st Faculty of Mathematics in North America
Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics
Waterloo is an international leader in Mathematics
Mathematical Optimization admission requirements
- Apply to Mathematics and choose Mathematical Optimization as your major
- An Admission Information Form is required for admission.
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.
First-year Mathematical Optimization courses
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
1 communication skills course
1 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
2 electives
After first year
Most of the required courses you’ll take will be combinatorics and optimization courses, with additional courses in mathematics. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
Sample upper-year Mathematical Optimization courses
CO 331 - Coding Theory
CO 380 - Mathematical Discovery and Invention
CO 450 - Combinatorial Optimization
CO 471 - Semidefinite Optimization
Customize your Bachelor of Mathematics degree in Mathematical Optimization
In upper years, you'll select Business or Operations Research as your specialization. You can also add additional areas of interest and expertise by including a minor (or minors) as part of your degree.
Gain relevant work experience through co-op
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.
Careers in Mathematical Optimization
- App Software Developer, Bank of Montreal
- Business Analyst, ThoughtWorks Canada
- Business Technology Analyst, Deloitte & Touche LLP
- Health Information Analyst, Ministry of Health Services, British Columbia
- IT Architect, Scotiabank
- Institutional Analyst, University of Waterloo
- Manager, Business Operations, Fortune Metals Inc.
- Risk Analyst, Toronto-Dominion Bank
- Senior Business Analyst, Hang Seng Bank
- Senior Officer, Operations, PT AEON Indonesia
Helpful links
- Visit the Mathematical Optimization website
