Data Science - Master of Math (MMath)

Rear entrance of the Davis Centre building

The Davis Centre building (DC) on Waterloo's main campus

Pursue a high-demand career in data science through the Master of Mathematics (MMath) in Data Science, an interdisciplinary research-based thesis program. Learn to integrate knowledge from computer science, statistics, and optimization to develop expertise in the field of data science that is highly sought after across all industries.  

You will learn not only how to apply certain methods, but when and why they are appropriate so you can gain insight on how they may be adapted to create new and improved methods. Ultimately, you will reach a level of expertise in an area of data science that enables the development of an original research contribution in a sub-field of data science. 

The MMath in Data Science is a collaborative program offered through the Faculty of Mathematics and supported by the Cheriton School of Computer Science (CS), the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science (S&AS), and the Department of Combinatorics and Optimization (C&O). The Cheriton School of Computer Science, which has been ranked number one nationally four years in a row based on program and research reputation according to the Maclean’s 2024 university rankings. Waterloo and the Cheriton School are among the top 25 universities internationally for computer science according to the 2023, 2022 and 2021 Quacquarelli Symonds worldwide university subject rankings, and attract exceptional students from all over the world.

Program highlights

  • Learn from internationally acclaimed researchers 

  • Access research-intensive lab spaces 

  • Opportunities to publish your work and present at top conferences 

  • Own your work. Waterloo’s intellectual property (IP) policy means that everything you create is yours to keep  

Program overview

Department/School: Data Science
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Master's, Research
Length of program: 24 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • December 15 (for admission in September)

Key contacts

Marie Kahkejian and Andrea Blyth-Estabrooks
ds.grad.admin@uwaterloo.ca

Supervisors

  • Review the finding a supervisor resources
  • Before applying to the program, students are strongly advised to establish contact with potential supervisors

Admission requirements

  • A four-year Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics or a related field, with a minimum overall average of 78%.
  • Experience at the senior level in at least one of computer science or statistics.

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion

  • Transcript(s)

  • References
    • Three references are required; at least two academic
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and fees