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 2 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 experience to land a career in computer science or finance — or both.

Computing and Financial Management admission requirements

Ontario students: 6 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 for Computing and Financial Management.

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.

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

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.

Gain two years of professional experience with co-op

Apply directly to this program on your application

Earn a Bachelor of Computing and Financial Management

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

of students receive at least one entrance scholarship

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

Your direct route to a CFA designation

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)

Build an awesome résumé

Because you’ll be alternating between classroom learning and co-op work terms, you’ll gain 2 full years of practical work experience with 5 to 6 work terms over the course of your degree.