Combinatorics and Optimization

Master two of math’s most powerful techniques

The Department of Combinatorics and Optimization at Waterloo was the first of its kind in the world and houses the largest concentration of faculty and researchers in the field.

Hone the skills you need to solve problems in computer science, business, communications, and more.

Combinatorics looks at permutations and combinations. Optimization explores ways to make any operation work more efficiently within given constraints. Together, they provide powerful methods for modelling and solving large management problems, from optimizing flight schedules to making a factory’s layout as efficient as possible.

In Combinatorics and Optimization at Waterloo, you’ll learn concepts such as enumeration, combinatorical designs, graph theory, linear programming, nonlinear optimization, operations research, and combinatorical optimization, and how to use them in real-world applications. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to gain paid work experience through the co-op program.

When you graduate, you can put your skills to work in areas as diverse as cryptography, electronic security, software development, social media, and risk analysis.

Program highlights

• Available as a regular and co-op program
• Available as a major and minor
• Graduate with a Bachelor of Mathematics in Combinatorics and Optimization
• Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics

What will you learn?

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money!

Sample co-op job titles

Co-op work-study sequence

Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.

Your first work term will be after first year (May to August 2025).

or halfway through second year (which can be January to April 2026).

There are options where you can have your first work term in the spring term after first year and your second work term after second year, or in the fall term halfway through your second year. 

Learn more about co-op →

"I enjoy learning about different branches of mathematics and there are just so many courses to choose from. Pure Mathematics is beautiful and elegant, statistics provides many insights in day-to-day life, and C&O is fun!"Jeffrey, fourth-year Pure Mathematics and Combinatorics & Optimization student