Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy

student looking at stocks on a screen

Really understand the numbers.

In the only accounting program in Canada to lead to a math degree, you’ll gain all the fundamentals of an outstanding accounting education —plus you’ll take a deep dive into mathematics.

You’ll acquire a strong background in the mathematical field of your choice, along with equally focused studies in accounting, economics, and business. It’s the perfect foundation for a career as a chartered accountant or a management accountant.

Put your knowledge to work during four co-op work terms, gaining valuable real-world experience that can be counted toward your CPA designation. You’ll graduate with a unique degree and ready for a high-impact career as a CPA.

What courses will you take in Mathematics/CPA?

First-year courses

During your first year, you'll take a mix of foundational courses in Math, Accounting and Financial Management, Economics, and Computer Science.

In upper years, you'll take courses in statistics, finance, business, and accounting.

September to December

  • AFM 111 – Professional Pathways & Problem-Solving
  • AFM 191 – Foundations for Financial Reporting
  • MATH 135 – Algebra for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 137 – Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics

Plus one course from

  • CS 115 – Introduction to Computer Science 1
  • CS 135 – Designing Functional Programs

January to April

  • AFM 182 – Foundations for Managerial Accounting
  • ECON 100 – Principles of Economics
  • MATH 136 – Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 138 – Calculus 2 for Honours Mathematics
  • COMMST 111 – Leadership, Communication, and Collaboration

An additional course, e.g., CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2, may be taken to catch up on the extra course required in this program. (41 courses are required over four years instead of 40.)

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

After first year

You'll take a variety of courses in statistics, finance, business, and accounting.

View a full list of courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

STAT 374 – Quantitative Foundations for Finance
AFM 321 – Personal Financial Planning
AFM 433 – Business Strategy
MATBUS 472 – Risk Management

Customize your Bachelor of Mathematics degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including a Data Analytics or Finance specialization.

Once you're a student, advisors can help you explore which minors or specializations may fit into your plans.

Faculty: 
Faculty of Mathematics

Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in Math/Chartered Professional Accountancy

Available as a co-op program?
Yes

Available as a regular program?
No

Available as a minor?
No

A direct route to your career. Once you graduate, spend just eight months completing our Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program and you’ll be ready to write the Common Final Examination.

Pro qualifications. Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy provides a direct route to Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

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

  • Student in Accounts
  • Tax Co-op Associate
  • Senior Student in Accounts
  • Business Analyst

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 second year (January to April 2027).

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in math and accounting?

Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy graduates often pursue careers in accountancy, financial analysis, and consulting. They typically work for insurance companies, financial institutions, auditing companies, and more.

Recent graduates

  • Accountant — Munich Reinsurance Company of Canada
  • Banking Analyst — J.P. Morgan
  • Senior Credit Risk Analyst — CIBC
  • Internal Auditor — Treasury Board Secretariat
  • Consulting Analyst — Accenture
  • Business Analyst — Deloitte
  • Quantitative Trader — Northstar Trading

Possible professional designations

Learn about the future of careers in business.

Tuition fees

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) $60,000
     
  • 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.

Student life in mathematics and computer science

MathSoc

Math Society (MathSoc) is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs, services, and social and academic events to make your experience as a Waterloo math student the best it can be.

Campus-wide activities

Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved, no matter how unique your interests. Between clubs supported by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, sports and recreation, and an incredible range of events, there's something for everyone at Waterloo!

Women in Mathematics

The Women in Mathematics (WiM) community encourages and advocates for women of all ages who are interested in studying math and pursuing a career in a related area.

WiM strives for all genders to be well-represented in mathematics and welcomes people with under-represented gender identities.

Women in Computer Science

Women in Computer Science (WiCS) promotes gender equity for students interested in studying computer science.

WiCS is very active and offers events such as the Big CSters mentoring program, workshops, a speaker series, and panels about diversity in computer science and STEM.

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM) is a student-run club that welcomes all students (regardless of gender) to promote equality in STEM. Opportunities include skills workshops, discussions, homework help, and guest speakers.

Hack the North

As Waterloo Computer Science student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in competitions such as Hack the North. This hack-a-thon is the largest in Canada and hosted annually at Waterloo.

Admission requirements

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

  • Advanced Functions
  • Calculus and Vectors
  • Any Grade 12U English
  • One other 4U course

Recommended courses: Grade 11U Introduction to Computer Science, Grade 12M Principles of Financial Accounting

Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid-80s

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.

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.

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 Faculty of Mathematics student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!

Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?

Please contact our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.