Mathematics

students learning from a whiteboard

Get a degree that counts.

If you love numbers, symbols, and equations, we talk your language. At Waterloo — the world's largest centre for education in mathematics and computer science — we offer more than 500 different math courses.

After first year, you'll focus on one of the majors listed below. Depending on which one you choose, you can gain two years 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.

When you graduate, you’ll have all kinds of career options. Mathematics is the foundation of many fields of study, such as commerce, computing, engineering, and science — and essential for asking many fundamental questions about how our world works.

What courses will you take in Mathematics?

First-year courses

You'll mostly take a mix of Mathematics and Computer Science courses to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes. After first year, the majority of your required courses will be dependent on which major you choose. 

September to December

  • MATH 135 - Algebra
  • MATH 137 - Calculus 1
  • CS 135 - Designing Functional Programs
  • PHYS 121 - Mechanics and Waves
  • One elective

January to April

  • MATH 136 - Linear Algebra
  • MATH 138 - Calculus 2
  • CS 136 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction 
  • 2 electives

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability and major chosen. 

Upper-year

After first-year, the majority of your courses will be focused on the major you choose, with additional courses in Mathematics and Computer Science. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo. 

Further customize your Bachelor of Mathematics degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including an option or one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Once you're a student, advisors can help you explore which minors or specializations may fit into your plans.

Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics

Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in one of 14 majors

Majors

Choose one of 14 majors at the end of first year. 

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
Yes

Available as a minor?
Yes

Get international experience. Round out your resume and broaden your cultural perspective with a term abroad. Earn credits at universities in 18 different countries, or spend a co-op work term with a company overseas.

Social and academic support. The student-run Mathematics Society organizes student/prof mixers, beach outings, and pie-filled Pi Day celebrations on March 14 (get it? 3/14?).

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!

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

  • Actuarial analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Developer
  • Instructional support assistant
  • QA analyst
  • Research assistant
  • Software developer
  • Web developer

Sample 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 co-op work-study sequence will depend on your major of choice. Below is an example of one possible sequence. 

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 -

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Mathematics?

Waterloo Mathematics graduates often pursue careers in software development, consulting, and more. They typically work in banks, insurance companies, and research companies.

Recent graduates

  • Software Test Specialist — Magnet Forensics
  • Associate, Consulting Deals — PwC
  • Software Developer — Latitude Geographics
  • Internal Auditor — Treasury Board Secretariat
  • Project Reporting Analyst — Bruce Power
  • Programmer Analyst — Hospital for Sick Children
  • Senior Developer — Shopify Plus

Learn about the future of careers in math, coding, and data.

Tuition fees for programs in the Faculty of Mathematics

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $9,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $9,000
International (visa students) $60,000
     
  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.

Student life in mathematics and computer science

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

Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved, no matter how unique your interests. Between clubs supported by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, sports and recreation, and an incredible range of events, there's something for everyone at Waterloo!

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.

WiCS is very active and 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

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM) is 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.

Hack the North

As Waterloo Computer Science student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in competitions such as Hack the North. This hack-a-thon is the largest in Canada 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

Recommended course: Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science

Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid-80s

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.

How to apply?

Apply to Mathematics and choose a 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.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact Evan Chang, our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.