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
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
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.

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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
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.
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.
Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics in Business Administration
Ready to learn more?
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.