Go way beyond basic arithmetic
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.
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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
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way 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
- Business analyst assistant
- Data quality engineering
- Instructional support assistant
- Policy and research assistant
- QA automation developer
- Research assistant
- Security & distributed system engineer
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Your first work term will be after first year (May to August 2025).
Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
---|---|---|---|
First | Study | Study | Co-op |
Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
or halfway through second year (January to April 2026).
Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
---|---|---|---|
First | Study | Study | Off |
Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
Fifth | Co-op | Co-op | Study |
Pure Mathematics 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
How to apply?
Apply to Mathematics and choose Pure Mathematics as your major at the end of first year. 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.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.