Computing and Financial Management
Enhance your job potential with the skills to master Financial Technology
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.
January to April
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.
You will have four general electives to choose from outside of your required courses. There are 100 subject areas at Waterloo you can select from to complete these electives. By planning out your schedule, you can add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
View all the courses required for your degree.
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.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics and the School of Accounting and Finance
Degree:
Bachelor of Computing and Financial Management
Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only
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
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll 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.
Your first work term will be in the spring term after first year.
| 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 |
What can you do with a degree in Computing and Financial Management?
Graduates pursue careers in finance, investment, and technology. They often work in banks, consulting companies, and technology companies.
The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!
Financial analyst
Analyze financial data, track market trends, and support investment decisions. Use both coding and financial knowledge to build models that help companies and individuals plan for the future.
Full stack developer
Design the web page where users enter trades, write the server code that receives trade requests, store trade data in a database, connect to market data feeds, and display portfolio performance back to the user.
Financial engineer
Uses mathematics, programming, statistics, and finance to solve complex financial problems and build tools for making investment and risk decisions.
Software developer (financial systems)
Design and build software used in banking, trading, or payments. Your work ensures that financial systems are fast, secure, and able to handle large volumes of transactions.
Quantitative analyst (quant)
Develop mathematical models to understand financial markets and guide trading strategies. This role combines programming, statistics, and finance to make data-driven decisions in fast-paced environments.
Investment strategist or analyst
Evaluate stocks, bonds, or other assets to recommend investment opportunities. Your technical skills can help you automate analysis and uncover insights more efficiently.
Business analyst (financial technology)
Bridge the gap between finance teams and technical developers. Translate business needs into technical requirements and ensure solutions deliver real value.
Data analyst
Work with financial datasets to identify trends and support business decisions. Use programming tools to clean, analyze, and visualize data in meaningful ways.
Portfolio manager
Oversee a collection of investments for clients or institutions. Over time, you’ll use quantitative models and financial knowledge to balance risk and return.
Product manager (fintech)
Lead the development of financial products, working with engineers and business teams. Your dual background helps you understand both technical possibilities and market needs.
Algorithmic trader
Design automated trading systems that execute trades based on predefined strategies. This role uses programming and math to react quickly to market changes.
Consultant (finance and technology)
Advise organizations on improving their financial systems or adopting new technologies. Each project gives you the opportunity to solve different business challenges.
Entrepreneur or startup founder
Launch your own business in finance or technology. With your combined skill set, you’ll be able to build products, manage finances, and scale your ideas effectively.
With a CFM degree, you’re gaining the ability to understand both how financial systems work and how to build the technology behind them. That combination puts you in a strong position to lead innovation in finance, tech, and beyond.
Possible professional designation
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Learn about the future of careers in business.
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
Admission averages: Individual selection from the low to mid-90s
Recommended courses
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Principles of Financial Accounting
Not studying in Ontario?
Search our admission requirements.
For all students
- The Admission Information Form is required for admission.
- Participation in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest and/or the Euclid Contest is not required for admission, but writing one of these contests is required for some scholarships offered by the Faculty of Mathematics.
How to apply
Apply directly to Computing and Financial Management on your application.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?
Please email Heather Shaw, our Computing and Financial Management program manager who can answer any questions you have.
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