Computing and Financial Management

Set yourself apart in a competitive marketplace

Gain expertise in two majors (computer science and finance) and become a valuable asset in 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.

of students receive at least one entrance scholarship

Gain two years of professional experience with co-op

Your direct route to a CFA designation

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.

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.

Get tips from Waterloo students

Monthly topics include how to choose a program, what it's like to be a Waterloo student, the differences between high school and university, and more.

Questions? Ask a student!

Contact a Faculty of Mathematics student ambassador to learn about their experience in the program.

Ask them questions such as why they chose their program, what the classes are like, and how you can get involved on campus.

First-year courses and beyond

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.

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 mathematics

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. There are many ways to get involved and to meet students in other Faculty of Mathematics programs.

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 supported by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, sports and recreation, student government, and an incredible range of events, there's something for everyone at Waterloo!

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 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, a speaker series, and panels about diversity in computer science and STEM.

There's also Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (WiSTEM), 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.

Apply directly to this program on your application

$50,000 to $120,000 in potential co-op earnings

Earn a Bachelor of Computing and Financial Management

Ready to learn more?

Visit the Computing and Financial Management website
If you have some questions about the program, please email Aziza Chaudhry , our CFM program manager
Subscribe to our newsletter to get tips and advice from current students
Related programs
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Computer Science

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 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.