Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy

Student in lab coat works at bench in brightly lit lab at the University of Waterloo

Spreadsheets + science = career success

In the world of biotech, specialists who can understand both spreadsheets and gene sequencing are a hot commodity. Enrol in the only accountancy program in Canada that combines biotechnology, accounting, and paid co-op work terms.

You’ll learn about biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology in the Faculty of Science. At the same time, you’ll take accounting, auditing, financial management, and taxation courses in Waterloo’s top-ranked School of Accounting and Finance.

Outside the classroom, you’ll have all kinds of opportunities to get involved in competitions and student clubs. You’ll graduate ready to succeed in your choice of fields: accounting, biotech business development, financial analysis, and more.

What courses will you take in Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy?

First-year courses

Programs/majors in the Faculty of Science start right in first year. To select your program with confidence, here’s some handy info to get you started.

September to December

January to April

  • AFM 113 – Analytical Methods for Business 2
  • AFM 121 – Introduction to Global Capital Markets
  • AFM 182 – Foundations for Management Accounting
  • BIOL 239 – Genetics
  • SCBUS 122 – Management of Business Organizations
  • SCBUS 225 – Organizational Behaviour in Scientific and Technical Workplaces

This a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

About a third of the classes you’ll take will be Biology and the other two thirds will be Accounting and Financial Management courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas.

View a list of all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

BIOL 443 – Fermentation Biotechnology
BIOL 331 – Advanced Cell Biology
AFM 433 – Business Strategy

 Types of courses you'll take

52% Accounting and financial management, 22% biology, 10% chemistry, 5% economics, 5% science and business workshops, 2% program electives, 2% free electives. 2% communications

This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.

Skills you'll develop with this major

  • Financial analysis and audit
  • Project management
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Time management
  • Corporate analysis

This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills this major can provide.

Your experience will be unique, and the skills you develop will depend on your goals; which courses you take; and your involvement with any clubs, jobs, or research projects.

Faculty:
Faculty of Science

Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
No

Available as a minor?
No

Build an awesome résumé. Explore possible career areas and acquire valuable on-the-job experience during your co-op work terms (experience that you may be able to credit toward a CPA designation!).

Get career-relevant skills. Our curriculum emphasizes case-based lectures and workshops, along with the communications and analytical skills you’ll need for roles in leadership and management.

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

  • Staff accountant
  • Financial analyst
  • Supply chain analyst
  • Tax consultant
  • Assurance, external auditor
  • Wealth management financial reporting analyst
  • Transfer and administration assistant

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.
Year September to December (Fall) January to April (Winter) May to August (Spring)
First Study Study Off
Second Study Co-op Study
Third Study Co-op Study
Fourth Co-op Study Co-op
Fifth Study - -

Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).

Learn more about co-op →

What can I do with a degree in Biotechnology/CPA?

This program leads to the Master of Accounting program, which will qualify you to write the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants exam required to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

Possible career areas

  • Audit and tax
  • Research and development monitoring and assessment
  • Pharmaceutical and medical technology

Learn about the future of careers in business.

Tuition fees for programs in the Faculty of Science

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $9,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $9,000
International (visa students) $52,000
     
  • Estimated amounts listed include incidental fees. Fees based on 2024-25 tuition rates.
  • Visit our financing page to learn about scholarships, estimate your total expenses, and see how co-op can help pay for your education.

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12U and/or M courses including

  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics

Admission averages: High 80s

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

How to apply?

Apply directly to this program on your application.

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.