Program Overview

Mathematics/Teaching Degree

The Mathematics/Teaching degree at the University of Waterloo is designed to inspire the next generation of math teachers. This program provides students with eight months of paid teaching experience before applying to a Bachelor of Education program.

Overview

• The program allows students to take a wide variety of math courses or focus their studies in a particular area of math.
• Students can add a second teachable subject, such as biology, business, chemistry, computer science, English, French, music, or physics.

What Courses Will You Take in Mathematics/Teaching?

First-Year Courses

During the first year, students take a mix of foundational Mathematics, Psychology, and Computer Science courses. In upper years, they take Mathematics, Computer Science, and courses in a second teaching subject.

• September to December:
  • MATH 135 – Algebra for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 137 – Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • Choose one course from:
    • CS 115 – Introduction to Computer Science 1
    • CS 135 – Designing Functional Programs
  • One communication skills course
  • One additional course. Possible choices include PSYCH 101 – Introductory Psychology, which is a graduation requirement for the Mathematics/Teaching plan and recommended for other Major/Teaching plans.
• January to April:
  • 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
  • One communication skills course
  • One additional course

After First Year

Students take a variety of upper-year courses in math and computer science, as well as additional courses in a second teaching subject. With their remaining classes, they can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

Sample Upper-Year Courses

• CO 380 – Mathematical Discovery and Invention
• PMATH 340 – Elementary Number Theory
• AMATH 343 – Discrete Models in Applied Mathematics
• CO 480 – History of Mathematics

Customize Your Degree

Students can add additional areas of expertise to their degree by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Once they're a student, advisors can help them explore which minors or specializations may fit into their plans.

Faculty and Degree

• Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
• Degree: Bachelor of Mathematics in Mathematics/Teaching
• Available as a co-op program: Co-op only
• Available as a regular program: No
• Available as a minor: No

Co-op and Careers

The world's leading co-op program allows students to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience, and make money.

Sample Co-op Job Titles

• Student teacher
• Computer science tutor
• Teaching assistant
• Computer science teacher
• Instructional support assistant
• Math tutor
• Teacher intern

Co-op Work-Study Sequence

Starting in the second year, students normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating their classroom learning with real-world experience.

Careers with Mathematics/Teaching

Graduates pursue careers in teaching math and computer science. They work for school boards across Canada and internationally.

Recent Graduates

• Teacher - Waterloo Region District School Board
• Math Teacher - Halton District School Board
• Instructor - Ontario Tech University
• Information Systems Analyst Consultant - University of Waterloo
• Youth Job Specialist - YMCA
• Instructor - Humber College

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 mid-80s

How to Apply

Apply to Mathematics and choose Mathematics/Teaching as your major at the end of the first year. There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission. The university will email detailed instructions once they receive the application.

Related Program

Mathematical Studies

Student Life in Mathematics and Computer Science

• MathSoc: The Math Society is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs, services, and social and academic events.
• Hack the North: Participate in competitions such as Hack the North, Canada's largest hack-a-thon, hosted annually at Waterloo.
• Women in Mathematics: The Women in Mathematics community encourages and advocates for women of all ages who are interested in studying math and pursuing a career in a related area.
• Women in Computer Science: Women in Computer Science promotes gender equity for students interested in studying computer science.