Computational Mathematics

What is Computational Mathematics?

Solving industrial-sized problems was next to impossible until recently. You’ll harness the power of computers and data to generate and run mathematical models that understand trends and find industrial-sized solutions.

Learn how to code data-driven mathematical models to solve problems in business, finance, medicine, science, and technology. Gain a competitive edge by combining math, statistics, optimization, and computer science in one degree.


  • Available as a co-op or regular program
  • There are 40 courses for this degree
  • Graduate with a Bachelor of Mathematics, major in Computational Mathematics

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First-year courses

  • MATH 135/145 - Classical Algebra
  • MATH 137/147 - Calculus 1
  • CS 115/135/145 - Computer Science
  • A communications course
  • One non-math elective

See full courses in our undergraduate calendar.

Upper-year courses

  • AMATH 242/CS 371 - Introduction to Computational Mathematics
  • AMATH 342 - Computational Methods for Differential Equations
  • CS 479 - Neural Networks
  • CO 372 - Portfolio Optimization Models
  • STAT 444 - Statistical Learning - Advanced Regression

Sample co-op jobs

  • Business Systems Analyst, Roche Canada
  • IT Assistant, Leysin American School
  • Research Assistant, Soochow University
  • Business Analyst, RBC
  • Actuarial Analyst, The Economical Insurance Group
  • Lead Software Developer, Web Development Canada
  • Jr. Business Analyst Intern, Clear-to-Close Solutions

Sample careers

  • Network Manager, Canada Institute of Linguistics
  • Process & Technology Officer, Canadian National Railway Co.
  • Development Analyst, Network-Centric Production & Technologies, IBM
  • Data Analyst, Green Chef
  • Co-Founder & VP Engineering, Rubikloud Technologies Inc.
  • Machine Learning Data Analyst, Cognitive Systems Corp
  • Data Science Software Developer, NuraLogix Corporation
  • Machine Learning Engineer, nModal Solutions

Student stories

Meet Jessie

Jessie has been very involved with the math faculty by becoming a math ambassador and helping out with math orientation. Outside of the math faculty she also is a Mystery Shopper for her residence. Jessie says that her favourite thing about the University of Waterloo is that as a student you are surrounded by people who are academically curious and Waterloo has no shortage of these types of individuals. Students are constantly inspiring each other and they’re not afraid to aim for the best.

Meet Barbara

Barbara is an international student who grew up in Munich, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic; and Bratislava, Slovakia. She has worked in a number of roles on co-op as a Data Analyst, Marketing Analyst and Business Systems Operations Controller. She's actively involved in Mambo Club and Cabaret Club as a singer and dancer and she is a mentor in the Math Student Mentorship Club. She chose to study at Waterloo because of its reputation in co-op and mathematics.

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How to apply

Apply to Mathematics for admissions consideration. If admitted, speak with an academic advisor after first year to declare Computational Mathematics as a major.

Find out more information on the steps to apply.