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 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.

Mathematics 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 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.

briefcase Available as a co-op and regular program

Arrow pointing up and clicking Apply directly to this program on your application

Graduation cap Select 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

First faculty of mathematics in North America

math tie Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics

globe Waterloo 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.