Program Overview

Mathematical Studies Degree

The Mathematical Studies degree is a flexible mathematics program designed to allow students to sample many different electives in math and computer science. This program covers the full spectrum of mathematics, enabling students to take courses they are genuinely interested in and see where they lead.

Program Overview

The program is part of the Faculty of Mathematics and is available as both a co-op and a regular program. It offers a considerable amount of flexibility to choose courses within and outside of mathematics, making it similar to many other math programs depending on the courses selected.

First-Year Courses

In the first year, students take a mix of math and non-math courses to give them the foundations for their upper-year classes. The courses include:

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

In the second term, students take:

• MATH 136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
• MATH 138 - Calculus 2 for Honours Mathematics
• Choose one course from:
  • CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2
  • CS 136 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
• Two non-math electives

Sample Upper-Year Courses

Some sample upper-year courses include:

• AMATH 382 - Computational Modelling of Cellular Systems
• CO 372 - Portfolio Optimization Models
• CS 479 - Neural Networks
• STAT 444 - Statistical Learning - Advanced Regression

Customizing the Degree

Students can add an additional area of expertise to their degree by adding a Business Specialization or by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Advisors can help students explore which minors or specializations may fit into their plans.

Co-op Program

The co-op program provides students with relevant paid work experience. Students alternate between school and work every four months, integrating their classroom learning with real-world experience. The co-op work-study sequence starts in the second year, and students can gain up to two years of valuable experience.

Sample Co-op Job Titles

Some sample co-op job titles include:

• Project Manager
• Software Developer
• Support Analysts
• Financial Analyst
• Marketing/Business Development
• Technical Finance Analyst

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Mathematical Studies degree include:

• 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 mid-80s

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest and/or the Euclid Mathematics Contest to enhance their admissions status.

Career Opportunities

Waterloo Mathematical Studies graduates commonly pursue careers in business, consulting, and development. They often work in financial institutions, universities, and government. Some recent graduates have found employment as:

• 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

Student Life

The Math Society (MathSoc) is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs, services, and social and academic events to make the experience as a Waterloo math student the best it can be. Students can also participate in competitions such as Hack the North, Canada's largest hack-a-thon, and join communities like Women in Mathematics and Women in Computer Science.