Mathematics

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 300 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 2 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.

Mathematics admission requirements

Ontario students: 6 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 high 80s

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Mathematics.

 

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.

Majors

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

 

briefcaseAvailable as a co-op and regular program

Arrow pointing up and clickingApply directly to this program on your application

Graduation capSelect from 14 majors within your Bachelor of Mathematics

 

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

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

Sample co-op employers

  • Bank of Montreal
  • CIBC/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
  • KGS Research
  • London Life Insurance Company
  • Scotiabank
  • Sheridan College
  • Sun Life Financial
  • TD Bank Group
 

#11st Faculty of Mathematics in North America

math tieOffered by the Faculty of Mathematics

globeWaterloo is an international leader in mathematics

 

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

Study math in Europe

Spend part of your second year in Italy and France, studying math with Waterloo profs, soaking up culture, and enjoying lots of croissants and gelato.

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?).

 

Learn more about Mathematics