Computing and Financial Management

Student wearing CFM sweater standing in brightly lit hall

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.

September to December

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

January to April

  • CS 136 – Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
    • CS 136L – Tools and Techniques for Software Development Laboratory
  • AFM 191 – Introduction to Financial Reporting and Managerial Decision Making 1
  • MATH 136 – Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
  • MATH 138 – Calculus 2 For Honours Mathematics
  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 2027).

Learn more about co-op →

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.

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.

Hack the North

Meet students from around the world by participating in competitions such as Hack the North, Canada'a largest hack-a-thon. It's hosted annually 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.

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!

Did you know?

Waterloo's degree completion rate for Mathematics programs is 86% compared to 79% for similar programs across Ontario.

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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.

There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission. We'll email you detailed instructions once we receive your application.

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 Heather Shaw, our Computing and Financial Management program manager who can answer any questions you have.

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