Computing and Financial Management

Set yourself apart in a competitive marketplace

By gaining both computer science and finance skills, you’ll be a valuable asset to any technology-dependent organization — especially in the ever-evolving financial technology industry.

Study in two of Waterloo’s powerhouse institutions. In the School of Accounting and Finance, you’ll learn sophisticated concepts of modern financial management. In the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science, 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.

Build an awesome résumé

Because you’ll be alternating between classroom learning and co-op work terms, you’ll gain two full years of practical work experience with five to six work terms over the course of your degree.

Add more credentials

Aiming to work in in the investment industry? A CFM degree accelerates your path to a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Two female students talking

Amy was drawn to CFM because of the balance between computer science and finance, which will equip her for a successful career in FinTech.

of students receive at least one entrance scholarship

Gain two years of professional experience with co-op

Earn a Bachelor of Computing and Financial Management

Computing and Financial Management 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 90s

Complete the Admission Information Form once you've applied.

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.

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.

For September 2020, participating in the Euclid Mathematics Contest is NOT required for admission or for a scholarship. You will not be penalised in any way for not participating in the Euclid this year.

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First-year courses

September to December

MATH 135 - Algebra for Honours Mathematics
MATH 137 - Calculus 1 for Honours Mathematics
CS 135 - Designing Functional Programs
AFM 101 - Introduction to Financial Accounting
AFM 132 - Introduction to Business Stages

January to April

MATH 136 - Linear Algebra 1 for Honours Mathematics
MATH 138 - Calculus 2 For Honours Mathematics
CS 136 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
AFM 102 - Introduction to Managerial Accounting
AFM 121 - Introduction to Global Financial Markets

You may also select the advanced-stream courses for algebra, calculus, and computer science if you satisfy the requirements.

What other courses will you take?

Most of your required courses will be in Computer Science and Accounting and Financial Management, along with foundational courses in Mathematics.

With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo and add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

View a full list of courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

AFM 373 – Derivative Securities
CS 480 - Introduction to Machine Learning
AFM 422 – Fixed Income Securities
CS 486 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

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.