Computing and Financial Management

Set yourself apart in a competitive marketplace

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 to set yourself apart in a competitive marketplace.

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.

Program highlights

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

Offered as a co-op program only
Earn a Bachelor of Computing and Financial Management (BCFM)

What will you learn?

First-year courses

During your first year, you'll take Computer Science, Accounting and Financial Management, and foundational Mathematics courses.

Learn more about courses you'll take for your Computing and Financial Management degree.

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Get tips from Waterloo students

Join our monthly newsletter for tips such as choosing a university program, life at Waterloo, and finances.

Contact a student ambassador

Ask a Faculty of Mathematics student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!

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.

Sample co-op job titles

Claims data analytics intern
Corporate finance analyst
Investment analyst
QA analyst
Software developer
Technical analyst
Web developer

Sample co-op employers

Facebook
Deloitte
CIBC World Markets
BMO/Bank of Montreal
RBC Financial Group
Oracle Corporation

What can you do with a degree in Computing and Financial Management?

Graduates often 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, including women in computer science

Math Society (MathSoc)

MathSoc is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs and services as well as social and academic events to make your experience as a Waterloo Mathematics student the best it can be.

Campus-wide activities

Outside of the Faculty of Mathematics, our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved, no matter how unique your interests. Between clubs, sports and recreation, student government, and an incredible range of events, there's something for everyone!

Women in Computer Science

Women in Computer Science (WiCS) promotes gender equity for students interested in studying computer science and pursuing career in computing. WiCS has a very active student-run committee and offers events such as the Big CSters mentoring program, workshops, and a speaker series.

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 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM) is a student-run club that welcomes all students (regardless of gender) to promote equality in STEM. Opportunities include skills workshops, discussions, homework help, and guest speakers.

Hack the North

As Waterloo Computer Science student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in competitions such as Hack the North. This hack-a-thon is the largest in Canada and hosted annually at Waterloo.

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

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.

Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?

Please email Aziza Chaudhry, our recruitment and admissions coordinator who can answer any questions you have.