Statistics

Caroline at desk

“I chose Waterloo because it’s one of the best math schools in Canada. I knew that the global reputation of the school plus co-op, of course, would create a lot of opportunities for me.”

What is Statistics?

In today’s data-driven world, statisticians are in high demand. In Statistics, you’ll acquire the skills you need to help businesses market new products, researchers evaluate medical treatments, governments shape effective public policy, and more. In one of the world’s top centres for STATISTICS, you’ll learn to design experiments and surveys, explore and analyze data, simulate complex systems, and extract meaningful information. These skills provide options for careers in a wide range of fields, including biology, business, engineering, environmental science, finance, manufacturing, and the health sciences.

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

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 231 - Calculus 4
  • AMATH 250 - Introduction to Differential Equations
  • STAT 330 - Mathematical Statistics
  • STAT 331 - Applied Linear Models
  • STAT 332 - Sampling and Experimental Design

Recommended courses

  • STAT 230 - Probability
  • STAT 231 - Statistics
  • STAT 330 - Mathematical Statistics
  • STAT 337 - Introduction to Biostatistics

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

If you’re curious about the research that professors conduct, research opportunities are available for strong undergraduate students. You could be paid for a part-time opportunity, or a full-time position may substitute as a co-op term. It’s not uncommon for students to publish their work. You can find details about the application, deadlines, and examples of research conducted by previous undergraduates in the department and school websites. You’d be well suited for a research position if you want to pursue a master’s and/or doctoral degree after completing your undergraduate studies.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR DEGREE

Data Science - This major is a full degree program, offered jointly by Computer Science and Statistics, that begins in second year. Your choice of home base is reflected in the courses you need to complete the degree — either a BMath or a BCS. See the Data Science page for more information.

Health Informatics Option — Offered jointly by Health Studies and Computer Science, this option covers seven courses in health sciences and information technology, and it would be of intersts to students majoring in Statistics or Biostatistics.
Biostatistics — Starts in second year and resembles the Statistics major with a strong focus on health research. See the Biostatistics page for details.

Sample co-op jobs
  • Compensation Data Analyst, Hay Group
  • Metadata Management Consultant, Bank of Montreal
  • Statistician, Labstat International ULC

Sample careers
  • Research Biostatistician, ChedokeMcMaster Hospitals
  • Software Development Analyst, IBM Canada Ltd
  • Statistician, Hydro One
  • Statistician, Statistics Canada
  • Manager — Business Analyst, Scotiabank

Student stories

Meet Lauralee

Lauralee is a student from Trinidad who has worked as a Business Analyst and QA Engineer while on co-op. "I’m very interested in working with data. I really enjoyed cleaning, processing and summarizing data in my first co-op term so I’d maybe like to pursue a career in data science when I graduate." Outside of her academics, she is active as a Tennis Club Co-President and as a Women's Football Club member. As a volunteer, she connects with international students as a member of both the International Peer Community and the Association of Caribbean Students.

Meet Caroline

When Caroline isn’t studying she enjoys spending her time with her different extracurricular activities. She is involved in the Global Business Brigade, she's a Math Ambassador, and she is on the Residences Marketing Advisory Board. Within the Statistics program, she knows that she can customize her degree in either Data Science or Biostatistics! Caroline loves that she is able to keep her options open.

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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 Statistics as a major.

Find out more information on the steps to apply.

Explore more mathematics and computer science programs.