Pure Mathematics

Go way beyond basic arithmetic

Female student writing equation on whiteboard

The Department of Pure Mathematics at Waterloo specializes in five major research areas: algebra, analysis, geometry, number theory, and logic.

Study the power, elegance, “how,” and “why” of math. In this rigorous program, you'll cover the spectrum of mathematics — from classical to modern — including geometry, number theory, and logic.

Because Pure Mathematics classes are among the smallest and most cohesive in the Faculty of Mathematics, you’ll get to know both your classmates and your profs. (Profs who are doing ground-breaking research when they’re not in the classroom.) You'll also get the opportunity to get paid work experience through co-op.

Pure Mathematics will provide you with problem-solving skills that can be applied in industry, business, government, or graduate school.

Program highlights

Add research to your résumé. Apply for an Undergraduate Student Research Award and you could spend four paid months working in pure mathematics with a professor.

Have fun with other mathies. Join the club! The Pure Math Club organizes academic and social events ranging from student/prof mixers and math contests to board game nights and potlucks.

Available as a regular or co-op program
Available as a major and minor
Graduate with a Bachelor of Mathematics in Pure Mathematics
Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics

What will you learn?

First-year courses

During your first year, you'll take a mix of foundational courses in Mathematics, Computer Science, and communications.

In upper years, most of your courses will be in Pure Mathematics with additional math courses.

Learn more about the courses you'll take for your Pure Mathematics degree.

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Once you're a student, advisors can help you explore which minors or specializations may fit into your plans.

Get tips from Waterloo students

Join our monthly newsletter for tips such as choosing a university program, life at Waterloo, and finances.

Contact a student ambassador

Ask a Faculty of Mathematics student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!

Co-op = relevant 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.

Sample co-op job titles

Business analyst assistant
Data quality engineering
Instructional support assistant
Policy and research assistant
QA automation developer
Research assistant
Security & distributed system engineer

What can you do with a degree in Pure Mathematics?

Waterloo Pure Mathematics graduates typically pursue careers in information technology, data analysis, quantitative analysis, and more. They often work for financial institutions, consulting firms, investment firms, and technology companies.

Recent graduates

Quantitative Analyst – Millennium Advisors
Data Scientist – Robinhood Financial
Executive Director – Beijing Leyard Investment
Developer – geoLOGIC Systems
Threat Intelligence Analyst – Ultimate Software
Software Engineer – Google
Data Scientist – Chango

Learn about the future of careers in math, coding, and data.

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.

"I enjoy the intellectual excitement when learning new things and solving problems. Co-op provides a chance to gain work experience — letting students explore career goals. Plus there are many clubs and events — I even went to the UK for an exchange."Jeffrey, fourth-year Pure Mathematics student