Welcome from the Co-Directors
It is with great enthusiasm that we invite you to learn more about our Computing and Financial Management (CFM) program at the University of Waterloo. We are a small and community-based program, providing talented students with the skills and knowledge needed to work in the ever-evolving and ever-growing financial technology industry. CFM is the only program of its kind in Canada to offer a major of computer science and a major of finance in one degree
Our program was launched in 2006 with support from faculty in computer science and in finance who identified in their research a growing need for tech-driven solutions to financial problems. As technology becomes central to managing and moving money, banks and financial firms increasingly rely on software systems built with financial insight to carry out these processes. CFM equips its students and graduates with core skills in both computer science and finance so that they can develop software, design systems, and analyze data with the understanding of how finance works to create those systems with financial decision-making in mind—allowing them to build effective financial-technology solutions.
Our program is offered jointly by the School of Accounting and Finance and the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science:
Canada's premier School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) has established an enviable reputation since its inception in 1982. With expert faculty, strong relationships with employers and professional associations, and a high calibre of education, students in SAF are prepared to go far with their careers. Access to experiential courses like the Student Investment Fund and the Student Venture Fund allow students to make real-world financial decisions to grow their experience and participation in case-based global competitions.
The David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science prides itself on the many advantages it has to offer students, including innovation in research and education, over 300 courses in math and computer science, and the recognizable success of graduates after they complete their degrees. The City of Waterloo is part of the technology corridor, known as the Silicon Valley of Canada, and offers students and graduates many professional networks and career opportunities in technology.
You'll see for yourself all of the many opportunities that a degree in Computing and Financial Management can offer. We think that you'll agree that it provides a unique learning experience which combines interesting and challenging courses and the opportunity to gain up to two years of paid work.
We invite you to explore our courses, co-op, and careers to discover how our students combine their studies and gain equal knowledge in computer science and finance. Our students work together to offer guidance and support in their academic and career success, and we anticipate that you'll find interest in our program and its community.
This one-of-a-kind degree will open many doors for you.
Sincerely,
James Thompson, Co-Director and Associate Professor, School of Accounting and Finance
Toshiya Hachisuka, Co-Director and Associate Professor, David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science