Crunch numbers. Calculate odds. Create career success.
The world of finance requires professionals with strong mathematical and analytical skills. You’ll hone them both in this challenging program — one of just a handful across the country recognized by the CFA Institute.
Whether you choose to specialize in Chartered Financial Analyst or Professional Risk Management, you’ll study a mix of mathematics, finance, accounting, and economics — giving you the perfect foundation for a career in banking, investment management, or risk management.
Meanwhile, if you opt for the co-op program, you’ll also have 2 years of paid work experience on your résumé.
Social and academic support
Through the Financial Analysis and Risk Management Students Association (FARMSA), you’ll find the knowledge, tools, and networks you need to thrive within the financial services industry.
Earn a CFA or PRM
When you graduate, you'll be prepared to write the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams or to pursue other professional designations, such as Professional Risk Manager (PRM) or Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute.
About Math/FARM at Waterloo
Available as a 
Apply directly to this program on your application
Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics
1st faculty of mathematics in North America
Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics
Waterloo is an international leader in mathematics
Admission requirements
- Ontario students: 6 Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus and Vectors
- Any Grade 12 U English
- One other 4U course
- Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science is recommended
- Admission averages: Individual selection from the high 80s
- An Admission Information Form is required for admission
- 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. As well, to be considered for entrance scholarships in the Faculty of Mathematics, you must write one or both of the contests. If you complete both, we'll use your higher grade.
First-year courses
You may also select advanced courses in algebra, calculus, and computer science if you meet the requirements.
September to December
MATH 135 - Algebra
MATH 137 - Calculus 1
Choose one of:
• CS 115 - Introduction to Computer Science
• CS 135 - Designing Functional Programs
1 communication skills course
1 elective
January to April
MATH 136 - Linear Algebra 1
MATH 138 - Calculus 2
Choose one of:
• CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2
• CS 136 - Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction
1 communication skills course
1 elective
You're encouraged to select 2 courses from AFM 101, ECON 101, ECON 102 and BUS 111W using your first-year electives.
After first year
You'll take a variety of upper-year courses in statistics, finance, business, and accounting. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
In your third-year, you'll be able to choose the Chartered Financial Analyst Specialization or Professional Risk Management Specialization.
Customize your degree
You can also add additional areas of interest and expertise by including a minor (or minors) as part of your degree.
Sample upper-year 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.
Sample co-op job titles
- Information systems assistant
- Associate business analyst
- Investment performance intern
- Junior gaming analyst
- Data analyst
- Hedging & assets specialist
- Trading products quantitative analyst
Sample co-op employers
- TD Bank Financial Group
- Bank of Montreal
- Bell Canada
- SS&C Technologies
- Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation
- Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
- CPP Investment Board
Sample careers
- Analyst, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
- Consultant, Ontario Financing Authority
- Accounts Manager, TD Commercial Banking
- Business Intelligence Consultant, Iconomics
- Account Service Agent, RBC Dominion Securities
- Associate Risk Consultant, IBM Canada
- Application Support Analyst, TD Securities
- Brokerage Specialist, McKellar Structured Settlements
- Credit Risk Analyst, Easyhome
- Senior Treasurer Analyst, TD Bank Group
Learn more about Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management
- Visit the Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management website
- Email our Mathematics recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions
