Computing and Financial Management

Student wearing CFM sweater standing in brightly lit hall

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.

What courses will you take in Computing and Financial Management?

First-year courses

During your first year, you'll take Computer Science, Finance, Accounting and foundational mathematics courses.

September to December

  • MATH 135 – Algebra for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 137 – Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • CS 135 – Designing Functional Programs
  • CFM 101 – Introduction to Financial Markets and Data Analytics
  • AFM 132 – Introduction to Business Stages

January to April

  • MATH 136 – Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 138 – Calculus 2 For Honours Mathematics
  • CS 136 – Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
    • CS 136L – Tools and Techniques for Software Development Laboratory
  • AFM 191 – Foundations for Financial Reporting
  • Choice of communications course

You may also select the advanced-stream courses for algebra, calculus, and computer science if you satisfy the requirements.

This is a sample schedule. Courses are subject to change depending on availability each term.

After first year

Most of your required courses will be in Computer Science and Accounting and Financial Management, along with foundational courses in Mathematics.

With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo and add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

View a full list of courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

AFM 322 – Derivative Securities
AFM 425 – Fixed Income Securities
CFM 301 – Financial Data Analytics
CS 480 – Introduction to Machine Learning
CS 486 – Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Customize your degree

You can add an additional area of expertise by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

If you're interested in a minor, be sure to check with your academic advisor who can help you plan your courses.

Remote video URL

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).

Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a degree in Computing and Financial Management?

Graduates often pursue careers in finance, investment, and technology. They often work in banks, consulting companies, and technology companies.

Recent graduates

  • Investment Analyst — Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
  • Vice President, Trading — BMO Bank of Montreal
  • Analyst — Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board
  • Technical Systems Analyst — RBC Financial Group
  • Tax Technology Specialist — KPMG
  • Investment Banking Analyst — CIBC
  • Financial Analyst — MNP

Possible professional designation

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Learn about the future of careers in business.

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.

Tuition fees

First-year tuition

Type of fees Tuition (8 months of school)
Domestic (Ontario residents) $10,000
Domestic (Out of province students) $11,000
International (visa students) $62,000
  • 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.

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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Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?

Please email Robert Kitchen, our Computing and Financial Management program manager who can answer any questions you have.

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