Pure and Applied Mathematics (BA, BSc)
Why study Pure and Applied Mathematics?
Mathematics is a universal language that explains the currents of the ocean, string theory, the spiral of a snail’s shell or the growth of a fern. When you study pure and applied mathematics, you enter a field that has both a rich history and many future career possibilities. As a mathematician, you’ll design and analyze mathematical models and develop systems for testing and evaluation. In essence, you will use mathematics to find creative solutions for systems such as communications, software development, encryption technologies, banking and drug testing.
Through labs and lectures, you will learn to use professional software tools for mathematics and data analysis applications. You’ll also learn to think in the abstract and fine-tune your analytical skills.
After graduation, students have the knowledge and skill to design and analyze mathematical systems in any number of scientific or business fields. This program is designed to prepare students for graduate studies.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options
- Honours in Pure and Applied Mathematics (66 credits)*
- Specialization Pure and Applied Mathematics (60 credits)
*Admission is to the Specialization. Students in the specialization program seeking admission to the honours program may apply to the departmental honours advisor – normally following the completion of 30 credits.
Courses
Co-op program
The Co-op program gives you the chance to complete paid work terms that last 12 to 16 weeks. As a Co-op student, you will work for firms where you may:
- Perform data analysis
- Participate in mathematics systems research
- Manipulate and optimize algorithms
- Test survey hypotheses
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: 24 overall, 24 math and science
- Natural Science DEC or
- DEC intégré en sciences, lettres et arts or
- Linear Algebra; Calculus 1 & 2; Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism; Waves, Optics and Modern Physics; General Chemistry; Chemistry of Solutions and General Biology
- Additional information for CEGEP applicants
- High School: B- overall, B- math and science
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
- Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
- ACT or SAT is not required
- AP exams are not required but may qualify you for advanced standing
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 27 overall, 4 math and science
- One math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or SL)
- One science SL or HL (Physics, Chemistry or Biology)
- Must have at least one HL math or science
- Baccalauréat français: 12 overall, 12 math and science
- Première: Spécialité mathématiques and Spécialité physique-chimie
- Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie and Mathématiques Complémentaires)
- Additional information for Baccalauréat français applicants
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD, C in math, C in science or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Students without math or science A-levels may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C+ overall, C+ math and science
- Courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Linear Algebra, Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: 24 overall, 24 math
- Linear Algebra; Calculus 1 & 2
- Additional information for CEGEP applicants
- High School: B- overall, B- math
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
- ACT or SAT is not required
- AP exams are not required but may you qualify for advanced standing
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 27 overall, 4 math
- One math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or SL)
- Baccalauréat français: 12 overall, 12 math
- Première: Spécialité mathématiques
- Additional information for Baccalauréat français applicants
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD, C in math or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Students without a math A-level may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C+ overall, C+ math
- Courses in the disciplines of Calculus and Linear Algebra
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL TERM
March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
WINTER
November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
After your degree
Mathematics alumni can pursue graduate studies after graduation. Others have established careers in a range of industries that require mathematical and statistical models for research and industrial development, including:
- Computer hardware and software development
- Public-security cryptography
- Image and voice recognition
- Banking and finance
- Pharmaceutical testing
Student story
Myriam Boucher-Pinard
Specialization Pure and Applied Mathematics Major Psychology
In advanced calculus, you graph things in 3D, and it’s quite beautiful.
Jake Chinis
Honours in Pure and Applied Mathematics Jake Chinis wanted to dive deeper into his math courses, and his professors were ready to help him go there.
Other programs of interest
If you want to learn how to predict the future, consider actuarial mathematics. Actuaries use their mathematical and statistical wizardry to solve problems involving risk and uncertainty.
Department
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Faculty
Model the future, solve problems involving risk, and make financial decisions that will affect the futures of corporations, communities and investors. This combined program offers you a direct path to an actuarial career with a financial sector specialization.
Department
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Faculty
If you’re a problem solver, have great math skills and a keen interest in financial markets, Mathematical and Computational Finance is the field where these skills and interests intersect.
Department
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Faculty
Mathematics is a language that answers real-world questions in science and engineering. Statistics is the science of information.
Department
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Faculty