“Don't be afraid or overwhelmed if you don't know what you want to do! Take a wide variety of courses and try different co-op opportunities to figure out exactly what you like and what you don't like.”
What is Mathematical Economics?
Today we often express economics in terms of mathematical models, and most branches of economics use mathematical, statistical, and computational concepts extensively. We’ve also seen many advances in mathematics motivated by problems in economics. At Waterloo, you can get the best of both worlds in the Mathematical Economics program, offered jointly by the Faculty of Mathematics and the Department of Economics in the Faculty of Arts. Emphasizing economic theory, the program uses quantitative methods to understand and represent economic theories and to solve complex problems found in a wide range of economic systems.
- Available as a co-op or regular program
- There are 40 courses for this degree
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Mathematics, major in Mathematical Economics
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
Upper-year courses
- ECON 290 - Models of Choice in Competitive Markets
- ECON 391 - Equilibrium in Market Economies
- ECON 393 - Market Failures
- STAT 331 - Applied Linear Models
- STAT 443 - Forecasting
Student story
Meet Galen
Galen is an active ambassador for the University of Waterloo - she's involved in Math Orientation and participated in the Governor’s Challenge with the Bank of Canada. Galen says that Mathematical Economics provides you with a solid base to pursue graduate studies in Economics, since it covers both the necessary economic and mathematical theory. She's also majoring in Statistics, and explores the field by taking courses in areas such as probability, statistical theory or modeling.
Similar programs
If you're interested in Mathematical Economics, you may also be interested in these programs that offer similar courses or career opportunities:
Outside of the Faculty of Mathematics
How to apply
Apply to Mathematics for admissions consideration. If admitted, speak with an academic advisor after first year to declare Mathematical Economics as a major.
Find out more information on the steps to apply.