Mathematics (BSc)

Study applied mathematics and statistics to prepare to solve real-world problems with innovative mathematical, statistical and computational solutions. Learn to understand and interpret the world using mathematical and statistical models and to use mathematical software and computational methods as problem-solving tools.  

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) program focuses on mathematics in the natural, physical and computational sciences. Tailor your degree by selecting up to two optional concentrations.   

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Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on: 

  • Application-Based Curriculum: Dive into how modern business relies on probability and statistics, rooted in the analysis of astronomical data, census information, and gambling.
  • Research Opportunities: Top students can earn a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA). This prestigious award lets you work as a research assistant, gaining hands-on experience and sparking your passion for research.
  • Pathways to Med School: We prepare you for a clinical career in Canada. Laurier students apply to med school with a competitive edge and gain preferential status with internationally accredited medical schools, including the American University of the Caribbean and St. George’s University

 

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Co-op: You can apply to co-op at the end of your first year, and complete work terms over the course of your degree. 
  • Residence Learning Community: Live in the Faculty of Science Residence Learning Community to enhance your academic and social success.
  • Math Support: Leverage resources available through the Mathematics and Statistics Learning Support for your courses.
  • MS2Discover Research Institute: Look for research opportunities through the MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute or in the Mathematics department.
  • Competitions: Participate in Datathons, Case Study competitions, or the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. 

Courses, Options and Pathways

Required First-Year Courses

  • Calculus I and II
  • Introduction to Mathematical Proofs
  • Introduction to Mathematics for Finance
  • Introductory Linear Algebra

Sample First-Year Elective Courses

  • Unifying Life Processes
  • Biological Diversity and Evolution
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry
  • Data Structures
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics and Waves
  • The Anatomy of Earth
  • The Surface of Earth
  • Introduction to Data Analytics

Sample Upper-Year Courses

  • Geometry and Differential Geometry
  • Introduction to Game Theory
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Graph Theory
  • Optimization
  • Data Analytics 
  • Dynamical Systems
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Mathematical Biology
  • Group Theory
  • Ring and Field Theory
  • Advanced Linear Algebra
  • Regression Analysis
  • Probability
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Monte Carlo Methods
  • Statistical Learning

Concentrations

You can select elective courses in mathematics and statistics within six optional concentrations:

  • Analysis and Geometry
  • Computational Finance
  • Discrete Mathematics and Algebra
  • Financial Risk Management
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Statistics and Data Analytics

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Economics Minor
  • Education Minor
  • Minors in Physics, Biology, Chemistry or Computer Science
  • Entrepreneurship Core
  • History and Philosophy of Science Minor
  • Minors in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian or Arabic

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Management Option

Add management-specific education to your degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of business and economics. Apply directly to Mathematics with Management Option on OUAC.

Pathways

The following opportunities allow you to pursue additional, related qualifications from another postsecondary institution (either before or after your time at Laurier):

Check out other pathways to and from Laurier.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)
  • OUAC code: UBW; UMQ (Mathematics with Management Option)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • actuary
  • biostatistician
  • data analyst
  • financial analyst
  • market research analyst
  • public health statistician
  • statistician
  • technical writer

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?