Combinatorics and Optimization at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Bachelor of Mathematics in Combinatorics and Optimization, available as a co-op program, regular program or minor, covering enumeration, combinatorial designs, graph theory, linear and nonlinear optimization and operations research.

Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics | Department: Department of Combinatorics and Optimization | Duration: 4 years (standard); co-op extends total time with work terms | Study mode: full-time co-op | Intake: September | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

First year covers algebra and calculus for honours mathematics, linear algebra, an introductory computer science course, a communication skills course and electives. Upper years cover Combinatorics and Optimization courses such as Introduction to Graph Theory, Algebraic Enumeration, Integer Programming and Applied Cryptography.

Career pathways

Over 90% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation, commonly in software development and data analysis at entertainment, financial and software companies; recent roles include Junior Quantitative Analyst, Risk Analyst, Actuary and Software Engineer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario students need six Grade 12 U/M courses including Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, a Grade 12 U English and one other 4U course; the admission average starts from the mid-80s on individual selection. Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science is recommended and an Admission Information Form 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.

First-year students are admitted for the September (fall) term only. Terms: fall (September to December), winter (January to April), spring (May to August). Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies can start in the winter, spring or fall term.

Applications for September 2027 entry close on 1 February 2027 for programs other than Engineering (documents due 15 February 2027) and on 15 January 2027 for Engineering programs other than Architecture (documents due 1 February 2027). International students have the same deadlines. Full-time applicants apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

Part-time, online, post-degree and non-degree studies: winter 2027 applications close 30 October 2026 for degree and non-degree (13 November 2026 for post-degree); spring 2027 applications close 26 February 2027 for degree and non-degree (12 March 2027 for post-degree). Optometry closes 12 November 2026 and Pharmacy closes 6 January 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs/combinatorics-and-optimization

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