Mathematical Studies

Choose your own adventure! You’re looking for a degree that covers the full spectrum of math. We’re one of the world’s top centres for math and computer science. Together, we’re a logical match!

Waterloo’s most flexible math program provides you with a broad mathematics education, including courses in algebra, calculus, combinatorics, computer science, geometry, number theory, and statistics, in addition to the opportunity to gain up to two years of paid work experience through co-op.

If you enjoy mathematics and want the opportunity to hone your analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills, but don’t want to narrow your focus on one major only, then this program is for you.

Available as a regular or co-op program
Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics
Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics degree in Mathematical Studies

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.

Campus-wide activities

Outside of the Faculty of Mathematics, our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved, no matter how unique your interests.

Between clubs supported by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, sports and recreation, student government, and an incredible range of events, there's something for everyone at Waterloo!

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.

Co-op = 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.

Co-op work/study sequences

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Off

F = Fall (September-December), W = Winter (January to April), S = Spring (May to August)
1A = First year, first term; 1B = First year, second term; 2A = Second year, first term; etc.
WT = Co-op work term
Off = You can make your own plans for that term (work, travel, vacation, etc.)

Get tips from Waterloo students

Monthly topics include how to choose a program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, the differences between high school and university, and more.

Questions? Ask a student!

Contact a Faculty of Mathematics student ambassador to learn about their experience in the program.

Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.

What can you do with a degree in Mathematical Studies?

Recent graduates

Analyst, TD Securities
Private Banking Executive, Barclays Bank
Sr. Economist, Education, Ministry of Finance, Ontario
Systems Analyst, Pepsi-Cola Canada
VP Platform Optimization, adMarketplace
Database Analyst, Toronto Star Newspapers
Program Manager, Microsoft Corporation
System Report Analyst, Manulife Financial

For more information on potential careers, check out our page on careers in math, coding, and data.

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

Advanced Functions
Calculus and Vectors
Any 4U English
One other 4U course

Recommended course: Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science

Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply?

Apply to Mathematics and choose Mathematical Studies as your major. Once you've applied, you'll need to complete the Admission Information Form as part of the application process.

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.