Major map:

Mathematical Physics

Bachelor of Science Honours (B.Sc. Honours) - View all program options

Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.

Mathematical physics connects mathematics to physical phenomena. Its tools allow us to describe how a top spins, how a pendulum swings or how a rattleback rocks and defies normal intuition. Studying mathematical physics reveals the hidden intricacies of relativity and quantum theory.

Not a USask student?

Learn more about studying mathematical physics at USask and apply for admission.

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.

Year 1 courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

MATH 164.3 | Introduction to Linear Algebra
PHYS 115.3 | Physics and the Universe
PHYS 125.3 | Physics and Technology

You choose

One course (3 c.u.) from either MATH 110.3 OR MATH 176.3
One course (3 c.u.) from either MATH 116.3 OR MATH 177.3
From a variety courses to fulfill your degree requirements

Academic tips

Explore information about your program in the course and program catalogue
Learn more about the Mathematical Physics program
Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
If you have completed 24 credit units, you must declare your major before registering for more courses
Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
Take the Math Readiness Assessment in order to decide which first-year calculus-stream course to register in
For additional support in your courses consider hiring a Mathematics and Statistics Tutor

What will I learn?

Learn about the deepest, most difficult and fascinating realms of both Mathematics and Physics
Study conceptual, mathematical frameworks that describe or explain physical phenomena
Learn how one builds theories of physical phenomena, accounting for physical features which are then expressed in precise mathematical terms
How the deductions of the theory capture essential aspects of physical reality

Gain relevant experience

Familiarize yourself with study abroad programs to make informed decisions in your later years of study
Explore undergraduate research opportunities
Consider enrolling in an experiential learning course

Create local and global connections

Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
Get to know your faculty and their research interests
Join the USask Math and Stats Student Society (MS3)

Get career ready

Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand

Featured courses

MATH 361.3 Group Theory
MATH 362.3 Rings and Fields
MATH 485.3 Elements of General Topology
PHYS 402.3 Techniques of Theoretical Physics
PHYS 482.3 Quantum Mechanics III

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.

Year 2 and 3 courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

You choose

From a variety courses to fulfill your degree requirements

Academic tips

Check DegreeWorks and meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
Apply for scholarships and awards
For additional support in your courses consider hiring a Mathematics and Statistics Tutor
Change your major in PAWS

Add to your major

Choose from a variety of minors and certificates to complement your major.

Gain relevant experience

Explore study abroad options or gain support as an international student through the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC)
Become a peer mentor through the College of Arts and Science, University Library, or Peer Health
Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
Attend a Seminar and/or Colloquia to gain relevant knowledge and experience

Create local and global connections

Engage with your community through volunteering
Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and Global Connections
Join the USask Math and Stats Student Society (MS3)

Get career ready

Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
Consider applying to a Student Assistant position in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn

Student Supports

Connect with student support options to maintain your wellness and support your goals.

Explore your major

Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.

Final Year courses

The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.

ASTR 411.3 | Gravitation and Cosmology
MATH 402.0 | Honours Thesis in Mathematics and Statistics
PHYS 481.3 | Quantum Mechanics II
PHYS 490.0 | Physics Seminars

You choose

From a variety courses to fulfill your degree requirements

Apply to graduate

Consider applying to a graduate program

Choose from:

Mathematics (M.Math., M.Sc., Ph.D.)
Physics and Engineering Physics (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
Statistics (M.Sc., Ph.D.)

Find a program

Gain relevant experience

Consider running for a leadership position with the Arts and Science Student Union (ASSU) or the USask Students’ Union (USSU)
Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship

Create local and global connections

Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
Get connected with the following organizations:

Get career ready

Update your résumé, cover letter or CV to apply for jobs
Attend Careers Day to meet with employers and make connections
Book a Mock Interview appointment with Career Services to prepare for your interview
Consider applying to a Student Assistant position in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics
If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada

USask Student Competencies

USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:

Engaging in our intercultural society
Nurturing successful relationships
Leveraging technology
Adaptive design and problem solving
Communicating meaningfully
Cultivating well-being

Possible destinations

People with a mathematical physics degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Note that some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.

Career paths

3D Programmer
Anaplan Modeler
Assistant Signalman
Data Engineer
Data Scientist
Embedded Software Engineer
Entry Level Design Engineer
Field Engineer

Implementation Analyst
Lab Technician
Lecturer
Optical Algorithms Engineer
Physics Gameplay Programmer
Physics Programmer
Practical Coordinator
Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Researcher
Quantitative Strategist
Seismic Analyst
Signals & Communications Apprentice
Software Developer
Solutions Expert

The Mathematical Physics program is one of only a small handful of programs that offers students the knowledge and skills to find, create, and apply the language of mathematics to the world. More and more, I find technology moving in the direction of increasing complexity. Just this year (2026), USask became the first Canadian University to own a quantum computer. With these advancements, we need more people who understand the fine details of how our world works. From creating quantum algorithms for vaccine research to understanding the material requirements for superconductivity, this program of study offers the knowledge and skills necessary to innovate. This program offers exactly that: vision to see solutions, the skills to accomplish them, and the drive to follow through..

—Cole, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mathematical Physics '25

Where do USask alumni work?

BPF Solutions Group
Canadian Light Source Inc.
Cameco
Center State Bank
CIBC
Clifton Engineering Group Inc.

Data Sciences
Enrich Software Corp.
Fraser Health Authority
Hansei Systems
Highline Manufacturing
Orano Canada

Solido Design Automation/Siemens
SGI Canada
Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute
University of Saskatchewan
Vendasta

Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool

"The Mathematical Physics program at USask offers a wide range of specialization and career options. Undoubtedly, the most valuable experience the curriculum offers is that of research; being in the program facilitates collaboration with various professors and research groups. This degree provides a two-fold advantage: it establishes me as a strong candidate for graduate studies, while also making me ideal for emerging industries that value innovation, rapid learning, and first-principles approaches."

—Daniel, fourth-year Mathematical Physics (Honours) student

"The Mathematical Physics program has raised my problem-solving ability far beyond what it would have been. Much of solving mathematical physics problems relies on sound logic and reasoning. Therefore, this skill can be easily transitioned and applied to solving code-problems in a software environment, for example, as solving these problems relies on the same type of logical reasoning. Furthermore, the additional mathematics and physics knowledge I have may be an asset in finding employment in the Research & Development industry."

—Saif, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Mathematical Physics '23

"This program has given me the opportunity to experience many valuable activities, such as publishing my first paper, participating in quantum computing hackathons, and competing in mathematics competitions. I have benefited greatly from the guidance and academic support provided by the Mathematical Physics department, and the small community has also allowed me to build meaningful friendships."

—Luis, fourth-year Mathematical Physics (Honours) student