Combinatorics and Optimization - Master of Math (MMath) at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Explore exciting mathematical possibilities Whether your interests lie in the study of discrete structures and related algorithms through combinatorics, or their applications to real world problems, the Master of Mathematics in Combinatorics and Optimization program seamlessly integrates both. Research in this department emphasizes six fields: algebraic combinatorics, combinatorial/discrete optimization, continuous optimization, cryptography, graph theory, and quantum computing.

Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics | Department: Combinatorics and Optimization | Duration: 24 months (full-time) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August); application deadlines: January 15 (for admission in September); July 1 (for admission in January of the following year); October 1 (for admission in May of the following year) | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Research fields: Algebraic and Enumerative Combinatorics, Continuous Optimization, Cryptography, Discrete Optimization, Graph Theory, Quantum Computing. Study option(s): Thesis, Master's Research Paper.

Career pathways

Get a solid academic experience with a variety of courses that span the discipline, preparing you to pursue further research at the PhD level, or pursue career across a wide range of industries from finance and banking to national defence and government services, to insurance and software and hardware.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A four-year honours bachelor degree or its equivalent in mathematics or in a closely related field with a 78% overall average or its equivalent for undergraduate work. Applicants educated outside of Canada, including those from the United States, are recommended to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) subject test in mathematics. Neither the GRE general test nor the GRE subject test is required.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Terms run fall (September to December), winter (January to April) and spring (May to August). Programmes are currently accepting applications for fall 2027; intake terms vary by programme.

Graduate applications are made online through the Graduate Studies Application and the non-refundable application fee is $150 CAD per program, paid in the applicant portal. Deadlines are set by each programme (for example MDSAI part-time: fall January 15, winter July 1). Apply two to four weeks ahead of the programme deadline.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.apply.uwaterloo.ca/apply/

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