In Mathematical Physics, you’ll combine theoretical physics with high-level math courses in differential equations, vector calculus, and applied mathematics. You’ll also get plenty of chances to apply that learning with hands-on labs in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, computer programming, optics, and more.

You won’t find a better place to study than Waterloo. Our Faculty of Mathematics is the largest in Canada. Meanwhile, the Department of Physics is one of Canada’s largest and most innovative, and this program comes with a co-op option so students can gain up to two years of paid work experience while pursuing their degree.

Choose your focus

You can earn your Mathematical Physics degree through the Faculty of Mathematics or the Faculty of Science. What's the difference?

The degree you earn will be either a Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc).
Depending on your interests and whether you'd like to earn a math or science degree, you'll apply to one of two entry programs: Mathematics or Physical Sciences (which have different admission requirements).
You'll then choose Mathematical Physics as your major within one of these entry programs.

While most of your first-year courses will be similar, you'll have more science or math courses depending on which entry program you choose.

The courses required to earn your degree will focus more on math or science.

• Bachelor of Mathematics requirements
• Bachelor of Science requirements

Co-op

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Sample co-op job titles

• Design engineer-quality assurance
• Project engineering support
• Performance engineering co-op student
• Science & math peer tutor
• Undergraduate research assistant
• Application programmer
• Quality assurance analyst

Mathematical Physics graduates commonly pursue careers in industry analysis and modelling, software development and theoretical physics research with nuclear power companies, tech companies, engineering firms, and more. Many graduates also pursue specialized master's and PhD studies.

Recent graduates

• Programmer/Research Assistant – Grand River Hospital
• Teacher – Nancy Campbell Academy
• Specialist – Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
• Shopping Operations Specialist – Google
• Lecturer – McGill University
• Front End Engineer – Sandvine
• Assistant Engineer – General Dynamic Canada