Future students

What is Computing and Financial Management?

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Two majors. One degree. 

Computing and Financial Management (CFM) at Waterloo is the only program of its kind in Canada that combines studies in computer science and finance to prepare you for the fast-growing, trillion-dollar Financial Technology (FinTech) industry. 

FinTech is the new innovative technology that aims to change the way we use traditional financial methods or services, such as completing mobile banking or reviewing financial portfolios via a smartphone. More and more banks are partnering with FinTech start-ups to change the way they deliver customer service to their clients. The industry is looking to hire job-ready graduates with the means to combine their knowledge in both finance and technology. CFM graduates are prepared to meet these demands with their unique combination of studies.

CFM is a community-based program. You'll have the support of a dedicated advisor as well as a small community of students to support your studies. 


  • Available as a co-op program
  • There are 40 courses for this degree
  • Graduate with a Bachelor of Computing and Financial Management program

How does the CFM program work? 

You'll take an equal amount of computer science courses and finance courses to fit in two majors within one degree. Out of 40 courses, you'll take 36 required courses with the option to choose 4 general electives. CFM is a structured program designed to prepare you for financial technology. 

If you're interested in CFM but are new to computer science and finance, find our resources to increase your knowledge before you apply. You may want to know simply what finance is!

What is finance?

Finance is a general term that describes bank-related activities like debts, credit, capital markets, money, and investments. Simply put, finance represents money management.

Try out computer science and finance

Gain experience in computer science and finance with these free resources.

Learn common financial problems to teach you the basics. You'll find that finance is incredibly mathematical!

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First-year courses

  • MATH 135/145 - Classical Algebra
  • Math 137/147 - Calculus I
  • CS 115/135/145 - Computer Science
  • CFM 101 - Introduction to Financial Markets and Data Analytics
  • AFM 132 - Introduction to Business Stages

Upper-year courses

  • AFM 272 - Global Capital Markets
  • AFM 322 - Derivative Securities
  • CFM 301 - Financial Data Analytics
  • CFM 401 - Topics in Financial Technology
  • STAT 373 - Regression and Forecasting Methods in Finance

See full courses in our undergraduate calendar.  

Sample co-op and careers

Since you will major in both computer science and finance, you will have the skills and know-how to work in technology, finance, and/or financial technology roles. Our students commonly work as analysts, auditors, developers, engineers, and programmers while on co-op and full time.


Similar programs

If you're interested in Computing and Financial Management, you may also be interested in these programs that offer similar courses or career opportunities: 

How to apply

Apply directly to Computing and Financial Management for admissions consideration.

Find out more information about admissions and the steps to apply