Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy
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.
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).
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 for programs in the Faculty of Mathematics
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.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Evan Chang, our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.