Redefine the bottom line
Many of today’s investors, businesses, and governments are focussed on sustainability as well as dollars and cents.
The field of sustainable finance is giving rise to a greener future while moving away from the limited approaches of the past. For companies, there’s value in aligning environmental responsibility with profits, using environmental, social, and governance reporting to drive policy and decision-making for long-term success.
That means a growing demand for a new breed of financial experts who can integrate people, profits, and the planet into the bottom line. Through this one-of-a-kind program, you’ll fuse knowledge of accounting and financial management with expertise in sustainability. And with 16 months of paid co-op work experience, you can explore careers and gain valuable skills before you graduate!
Program highlights
Kickstart your credentials. Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) is a direct route to a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Grow your own green business. Take a course in green entrepreneurship or drop by Entrepreneurship at Environment to work on your business plan with experienced advisors.
- Offered as a co-op program only
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Sustainability and Financial Management (BSFM)
- Offered by the School of Accounting and Finance and Faculty of Environment
What will you learn?
First-year courses
Throughout your degree, you'll take a mix of accounting, finance, sustainability, and environmental courses.
Learn about the courses and specializations you'll take as part of your degree.
Customize your degree
After finishing second year, you’ll customize your pathway by selecting a specialization that reflects your interests.
- Corporate Sustainability (CPA pathway)
- Government Policy and Financial Markets (CFA pathway)
- Indigenous Entrepreneurship
Sustainability is our future. Become a finance expert who can link our natural systems and social impacts to financial outcomes.
Get tips from Waterloo students
Join our monthly newsletter for tips such as choosing a university program, life at Waterloo, and finances.
Contact a student ambassador
Ask a School of Accounting and Finance student about their classes, getting involved, their co-op experiences, and more!
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!
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 | Co-op | Study | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | - | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through your second year (January to April 2026).
What can you do with a Sustainability and Financial Management degree?
Your career path will depend on your interests. You might use your environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) knowledge to lead organizations toward a greener world.
You could pursue further education in a variety of areas, including a Master of Accounting (MAcc) program at Waterloo or elsewhere. You can also pursue your Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation depending on the specialization you choose after your second year. You can also choose to go directly into your career, including the following possible career options.
- Accountant
- Financial consultant
- Sustainability analyst
- ESG policy analyst
- Internal auditor
Learn about the future of careers in business.
A student's perspective
Discover career opportunities for each of the specializations in SFM by someone who knows the program: Ethan, a current student.
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of 75%)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 75%)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 75%)
- Completion of the SAF Admissions Assessment (SAFAA)
Recommended courses: Principles of Financial Accounting, Mathematics of Data Management
Anticipated admission average: Individual selection from the mid-80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?
Please email Kelly Miller who can answer questions you have.
