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.
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
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. 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
January to April
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
Available as a 
Apply directly to this program on your application
Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics
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
First faculty of mathematics in North America
Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics
Waterloo is an international leader in mathematics
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
For more information on potential careers, check out our page on careers in business.
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.
Ready to learn more?
- Visit the Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management website
- Email our Mathematics recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer any questions about the program
- Subscribe to our newsletter to get tips and advice from current students
