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, 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, 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 of Accounting after graduation

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

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

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 (CPA).

Possible career areas

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

First-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.

Learn more 

• Email Jenn Czekus, our Science recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer questions about the program
• 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