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 two years of paid work experience on your résumé. Or you can complete this degree online.
First faculty of mathematics in North America
Waterloo is an international leader in mathematics
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six 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
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.
Many of the business industry’s most sought-after positions require the mathematical and risk management skills that this program combines.
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First-year courses and beyond
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
- One communication skills course
- One 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
- One communication skills course
- One elective
You're encouraged to select two 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.
You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Sample upper-year courses
CS 341 – Algorithms
STAT 430 – Experimental Design
CS 492 – The Social Implications of Computing
STAT 443 – Forecasting
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
- 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
What can you do with a degree in financial analysis and risk management?
Our graduates often pursue careers in risk analysis, consulting, business development, and related areas. They often work for insurance companies and financial institutions.
Recent graduates
- Portfolio Management, Evaluator – Foresea Life Insurance Company
- Observational Risk Analyst – CIBC
- Data Support Analyst – Sustainanalytics
- Capital Markets Risk Management Associate – TD Securities
- Business Development Planner, Nissan Finance – Nissan Canada
- Consultant – Capgemini Canada
- Treasury Manager - TD Canada Trust
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.
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.
Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics
Ready to learn more?
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.
Available as a 
Apply directly to this program on your application
Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics
