Mathematics/Business Administration

It’s a simple equation: math + business = career success

Use your analytical know-how to solve problems in a rapidly changing technology environment. If you want more advanced quantitative and technical skills than are available through traditional business programs, this program is designed for you.

You’ll earn a Bachelor of Mathematics by taking courses from two prestigious institutions: math courses from Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics and business courses from the School of Business and Economics at nearby Wilfrid Laurier University.

When you graduate, you’ll have all the skills you need for a career as an analyst, information specialist, trader, or many other options, along with paid work experience if you choose to enrol in the co-op stream.

First faculty of mathematics in North America

briefcase Available as a co-op and regular program

globe Waterloo is an international leader in mathematics

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

Advanced Functions
Calculus and Vectors
Any Grade 12 U English
One other 4U course
Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science is recommended

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.

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.

$A closeup of a student in the math & business administration degree program writing in a notebook$

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First-year Mathematics/Business Administration courses and beyond

You may select the advanced-stream courses for algebra, calculus, and computer science if you meet the requirements.

September to December

MATH 135 - Algebra for Honours Mathematics
MATH 137 - Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
Choose one of:
- CS 115 - Introduction to Computer Science
- CS 135 - Designing Functional Programs
One communication skills course
One elective

January to April

MATH 136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
MATH 138 - Calculus 2 for Honours Mathematics
Choose one of:
- CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2
- CS 136 - Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
One communication skills course
One elective

Note: You're encouraged to select two courses from AFM 101, ECON 101, ECON 102 and BUS 111W using your first-year electives.

After first year

In upper years, you'll take courses in statistics, finance, and computer science in combination with business and economics courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

View a list of all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

CS 341 - Algorithms
STAT 430 – Experimental Design
CS 492 - The Social Implications of Computing
STAT 443 – Forecasting

Customize your degree

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

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

Portfolio analyst intern
Business systems analyst
Consultant
Data analyst
Marketing/business development
Project management officer
Software developer
Technical finance analyst

Sample co-op employers

Ontario Ministry of Finance
RBC Global Technology Operations
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc
CIBC/Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
CGI Group Inc
Deloitte
Microsoft Corporation

What can you do with a math and business administration degree?

Waterloo Mathematics/Business Administration graduates often pursue careers in analysis, trading, accountancy, and more. They commonly work for consulting companies, government ministries, and accounting organizations.

Recent graduates

Senior Consultant – Deloitte
Business Analyst – Manulife Financial
Sales Analyst – EF Education First
Revenue Analyst – Challenger Motor Freight
Government, Risk, and Compliance Solution Specialist – Iceberg Networks
Investor Relations Specialist – Citco
Investment Analyst – Sun Life Financial

Read about what Marcelo is doing with his Mathematics degree on our Waterloo Stories website.

Learn about the future of careers in business.

Student life, including women in mathematics

Math Society (MathSoc)

MathSoc is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs and services as well as social and academic events to make your experience as a Waterloo Mathematics student the best it can be. There are many ways to get involved and to meet students in other Faculty of Mathematics programs.

Campus-wide activities

Outside of the Faculty of Mathematics, 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, student government, 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 and pursuing career in computing. WiCS has a very active student-run committee and offers events such as the Big CSters mentoring program, workshops, a speaker series, and panels about diversity in computer science and STEM.

There's also Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM), 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.

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

math tie Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics

Graduation cap Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics in Business Administration

Ready to learn more?

Visit the Mathematics-Business Administration website
Email our Mathematics recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions about the program
Subscribe to our newsletter to get tips and advice from current students

Two years of work experience

Gain 20 months of paid work experience through our co-op program, the largest of its kind in North America, or fast track your degree by choosing the regular system of study.

Social and academic support

Party with your Pink Tie profs. Test your limits in a 24-hour games marathon. Make professional contacts at speed networking events. Waterloo’s Mathematics Society organizes all kinds of academic and social activities throughout the year.