Spreadsheets + science = career success
In the world of biotech, specialists who can understand both spreadsheets and gene sequencing are a hot commodity. Enrol in the only accountancy program in Canada that combines biotechnology, accounting, and 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, biotech business development, financial analysis, and more.
What courses will you take in Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy?
First-year courses
Programs/majors in the Faculty of Science start right in first year. To select your program with confidence, here’s some handy info to get you started.
January to April
This a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.
After first year
About a third of the classes you’ll take will be Biology and the other two thirds will be Accounting and Financial Management courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas.
View all the courses required for your degree.
Types of courses you'll take
This is a general guideline. The ratio of courses may change slightly from year to year.
Skills you'll develop with this major
- Financial analysis and audit
- Project management
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Time management
- Corporate analysis
This isn't an exhaustive list – rather a glimpse into the skills this major can provide.
Your experience will be unique, and the skills you develop will depend on your goals; which courses you take; and your involvement with any clubs, jobs, or research projects.
Faculty:
Faculty of Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy
Available as a co-op program?
Co-op only
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Build an awesome résumé. Explore possible career areas and acquire valuable on-the-job experience during your co-op work terms (experience that you may be able to credit toward a CPA designation!).
Get career-relevant skills. Our curriculum emphasizes case-based lectures and workshops, along with the communications and analytical skills you’ll need for roles in leadership and management.
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
- Staff accountant
- Financial analyst
- Supply chain analyst
- Tax consultant
- Assurance, external auditor
- Wealth management financial reporting analyst
- Transfer and administration assistant
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 | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | - | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12U 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)
- Two of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Mathematics of Data Management, Physics
Admission averages: High 80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply?
Apply directly to this program on your application.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Science recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.