Crunch numbers. Calculate odds. Create career success.
Future quant? Develop strong mathematical and analytical skills for the financial industry.
Enter the fascinating and lucrative world of finance with this challenging and prestigious program. You’ll learn how to implement statistical and mathematical methods to understand and forecast financial market behaviour.
Take advantage of co-op work terms which can build your professional network and open doors for your career.
Accredited by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRIMA), and one of only a handful across Canada recognized by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, this program will give you a competitive edge in financial analysis and risk management careers.
You’ll take courses in mathematics, statistics, and computer science with corporate finance, micro and macroeconomics, and other business-related courses to build a well-rounded résumé.
Graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for the CFA exams or to pursue other professional designations, such as Professional Risk Manager (PRM) or Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Earn a CFA or PRM. Graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams or to pursue other professional designations, such as Professional Risk Manager (PRM) or Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
Social and academic support. Through the Financial Analysis and Risk Management Students Association (FARMSA), you’ll find the knowledge, tools, and networks you need to thrive within the financial services industry.
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
- Information systems assistant
- Associate business analyst
- Investment performance intern
- Junior gaming analyst
- Data analyst
- Hedging assets specialist
- Trading products quantitative 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.
Your first work term will be after first year (May to August 2026).
| 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 | - |
or halfway through second year (which can be January to April 2027).
| 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 | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fifth | Co-op | Co-op | Study |
There are options where you can have your first work term in the spring term after first year and your second work term after second year, or in the fall term halfway through your second year.
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus and Vectors
- Any Grade 12 U English
- One other 4U course
- Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science is recommended
Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid-80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
We strongly encourage you to participate in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest and/or the Euclid Mathematics Contest to enhance your admissions status. As well, to be considered for entrance scholarships in the Faculty of Mathematics, you must write one or both of the contests. If you complete both, we'll use your higher grade.
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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.