Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy

Spreadsheets + science = career success.

In the world of biotech, specialists who can understand both spreadsheets and gene sequencing are a hot commodity. Enroll in the only accountancy program in Canada that combines biotechnology and accounting, plus paid co-op work terms.

You’ll learn about biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology in the Faculty of Science. At the same time, you’ll take accounting, auditing, financial management, and taxation courses in Waterloo’s top-ranked School of Accounting and Finance.

Outside the classroom, you’ll have all kinds of opportunities to get involved in competitions and student clubs.

You’ll graduate ready to succeed in your choice of fields: accounting, bio-tech business development, financial analysis, and more.

Companies value the transferable skills that Isabel is developing in biotechnology, as well as her knowledge and expertise in financial management, accounting, auditing, and taxation.

About the Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy program

Move directly into your Master's of Accounting after graduation

Students earn $13,350 on average per co-op work term

Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy admission requirements

• Ontario students: 6 Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
  • 2 of: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics (Recommended courses: Chemistry, Biology, Principles of Financial Accounting)
• Admission averages: Low 90s
• An Admission Information Form is recommended
• Only available to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements 

Careers in Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy

This program leads to the Master of Accountancy program, which will qualify you to write the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants exam required to become a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Possible professional designations

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)

Possible career fields:

• Audit and tax
• Research and development monitoring and assessment
• Pharmaceutical and medical technology

First-year Biotechnology/CPA courses

After first year

• About half of the classes you’ll take will be Biology and Chemistry courses, and the other half will be Accounting and Financial Management courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas.
• View a list of all the courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year Biotechnology/CPA courses

Gain relevant work experience through co-op

By alternating school terms and paid co-op work terms throughout your degree, you can explore new career areas and types of employers as your career interests evolve.

Helpful links

• Visit the Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy website
• Related Programs: Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy, Computing and Financial Management, Accounting and Financial Management, Biotechnology/Economics, Science and Business