Set yourself apart in a competitive marketplace
Develop the know-how, networks, and experience to land a career in computer science or finance — or both. Combine your interdisciplinary studies with six co-op work terms in areas such as software development, banking, investments, risk management, or insurance.
You'll gain expertise in two majors (computer science and finance) and become a valuable asset to any technology-dependent organization — especially in the ever-evolving financial technology industry.
As part of Computing and Financial Management (CFM), you'll study in two of Waterloo’s powerhouse institutions: the School of Accounting and Finance, where you’ll learn to understand sophisticated concepts of modern financial management, and the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, where you’ll acquire the skills to develop and maintain financial software.
By the time you graduate, you'll be armed with the know-how, the networks, and the co-op experience to land a career in computer science or finance — or both.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics and the School of Accounting and Finance
Degree:
Bachelor of Computing and Financial Management
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Build an awesome résumé. Because you’ll be alternating between classroom learning and co-op work terms, you’ll gain two full years of work experience and graduate with an impressive résumé.
Add more credentials. Aiming to work in the investment industry? A CFM degree provides a direct route to a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
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
- Software developer
- Data engineering
- Global markets quantitative analyst
- Business systems analyst
- Data scientist
- Investment management
- Financial analyst
- Risk management
- Full stack developer
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 | Co-op |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study |
Your first work term will be after first year (May to August 2026).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of 75% is required)
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus and Vectors
- One other Grade 12 U course
Recommended: Introduction to Computer Science, Principles of Financial Accounting
Admission averages: Individual selection from the low to mid-90s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
Once you've applied, you'll need to complete the Admission Information Form as part of the application process.
We strongly encourage you to participate in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest and/or the Euclid Mathematics Contest to enhance your admissions status. To be considered for entrance scholarships in the Faculty of Mathematics, you must write one or both of the contests. If you complete both contests, we'll use the results of the contest in which you performed best.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?
Please email Robert Kitchen, our Computing and Financial Management program manager who can answer any questions you have.