CFM is a structured plan that is designed to allow you to complete two majors of study at once and graduate in the same time as a single major degree. Where there are some limitations in the changes that you can make to your studies, there are options to provide some flexibility to customize your academic studies.
You can add opportunities to your studies, to make your degree and student experience uniquely your own.
Ways to customize your studies
Considering adding or experiencing a(n) option, minor, or additional major international exchange or global experience
Options
An option is a structured set of courses within a major that focuses on a particular theme or subfield. They usually require 10 courses to complete.
The Quantum Information Option studies how the laws of quantum mechanics affect computing, communication, and cryptography, and has been specifically designed for CFM students. Reach out to your academic advisor to add this option to your plan.
To add all other options, you will need to get approval from the academic advisor that supports that academic plan.
Majors
Though it may prove time-consuming while pursuing a major in finance and a major in computer science, CFM students can pursue another major outside CFM.
The third major will appear on your degree and can allow you to develop more skills for employment. It will require careful planning to fit another major into your studies, and it will likely delay your graduation, though it is achievable.
To add a major, you will need to get approval from the academic advisor that supports that academic plan.
Minors
A minor is a secondary field of study that allows you to explore another subject of study alongside your major studies. A minor usually requires eight courses and its completion will appear on your degree.
You can pursue a minor in any subject area where you meet the pre-requisite requirements to enrol in its courses. Certain minors will allow you to double count courses towards your CFM degree and the minor (like ECON 101 for the Economics minor and CFM).The most common minors among CFM students include:
- Statistics — statistics students can seek A.Stat. (Associate Statistician) Accreditation
- Economics
- Computational Mathematics
- Cognitive Science — the interdisciplinary study of mind and intelligence, embracing psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, anthropology, computer science, and engineering.
Other minors of possible interest may include the Global Affairs minor, the Entrepreneurship Minor, and the STV (Society Technology Values) Diploma.
To add a minor, you will need to get approval from the academic advisor that supports that academic plan.
Constraints for plan combinations
The Computing and Financial Management program's academic curriculum is a combination of the curricula in Computer Science and Accounting and Financial Management, and therefore, cannot be combined with any academic plan, minor, or specialization offered by the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science or the School of Accounting and Finance. This is outlined as an "Additional Constraint" in the CFM undergraduate calendar.
Many of our students like to pursue a minor to broaden their scope of knowledge, allowing them to access certain co-op and full-time roles. It is a great way to expand learning in a complementary or different area of study to finance and computer science.
Global experiences
Internationalize your degree by travelling abroad for work or study — or stay on the ground and grow your intercultural skills with a global certificate.
International exchange
Find out how an international exchange can get you outside your comfort zone, expand your world view, and support your intercultural competence.
CFM students have studied abroad in Australia, England, Hong Kong, Spain, Singapore, and other countries.
Eligibility to apply and participate follows the Faculty of Mathematics requirements.
Global Learning, Intercultural Development and Engagement Certificate
Expand your intercultural skills and boost your employability with a GLIDE (Global Learning, Intercultural Development and Engagement) Certificate.
It is designed with inclusivity, accessibility, and flexibility in mind.
Travel abroad for co-op
Gain international exchange by working abroad for four months for one of our co-op terms. Many of our students work in New York, San Francisco, and Boston as part of their co-op work experiences. Global opportunities may be available through Waterloo Works.
To work abroad, you may need to arrange a work permit to be eligible for employment.
Modifying your study plan
There is a growing interest among students to expand their learning beyond finance and computer science. With careful planning, students can explore other topics of interest and these studies count towards their degree. If you'd like to change your study plan by travelling on exchange, or add another area of study as a major or a minor, contact your academic advisor for guidance and support.