Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy

Really understand the numbers

In this one-of-a-kind program, you’ll cover all the fundamentals of a standard accounting program — plus you’ll take a deep dive into mathematics.

It’s the perfect foundation for a career as a chartered accountant or a management accountant. You’ll learn from world-recognized professors in the only professionally accredited Chartered Professional Accountancy program in Ontario that leads to a Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) degree.

Then, you’ll put your knowledge to work during four co-op work terms, gaining valuable real-world experience that can be counted toward your CPA designation. You’ll graduate with a unique degree and ready for a high-impact career as a CPA.

First faculty of mathematics in North America

briefcase Gain experience through the co-op program

globe Waterloo is an international leader in mathematics

Admission requirements

Ontario students: six Grade 12U and/or M courses including

Advanced Functions
Calculus and Vectors
Any Grade 12U English
One other 4U course

Recommended courses: Grade 11U Introduction to Computer Science, Grade 12M Principles of Financial Accounting

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.

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.

Math and Accounting student headshot

Annie’s strong background in both mathematics and accounting led her to rewarding accounting co-op positions, where she was able to make valued contributions to her team in the tasks and projects they were given.

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

You may also select the advanced courses for algebra, calculus, and computer science if you meet the requirements.

September to December

MATH 135 - Algebra
MATH 137 - Calculus 1
AFM 101 - Introduction to Financial Accounting
AFM 131 - Introduction to Business in North America
Choose one of:
- CS 115 - Introduction to Computer Science
- CS 135 - Designing Functional Programs

January to April

MATH 136 - Linear Algebra 1
MATH 138 - Calculus 2
AFM 102 - Introduction to Managerial Accounting
SPCOM 111 - Leadership Communication
ECON 100 - Principles of Economics
Choose one of:
- CS 116 - Introduction to Computer Science 2
- CS 136 - Elementary Algorithm Design and Data Abstraction

After first year

You'll take a variety of courses in statistics, finance, business, and accounting.

View a full list of courses required for your degree.

Sample upper-year courses

CS 341 - Algorithms
STAT 430 – Experimental Design
CS 492 - The Social Implications of Computing
STAT 443 – Forecasting

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the minors available to all Waterloo students.

Co-op = relevant paid work experience

By alternating school terms and four 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

Student in Accounts
Tax Co-op Associate
Junior Student in Accounts
Senior Student in Accounts
Business Analyst

Sample co-op employers

Ernst & Young LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
BDO Dunwoody LLP
Klasner & Solomon Chartered Accountants LLP
TD Bank Financial Group

What can you do with a degree in accounting?

Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy graduates often pursue careers in accountancy, financial analysis, and consulting. They typically work for insurance companies, financial institutions, auditing companies, and more.

Recent graduates

Accountant – Munich Reinsurance Company of Canada
Banking Analyst – J.P. Morgan
Senior Credit Risk Analyst – CIBC
Internal Auditor – Treasury Board Secretariat
Consulting Analyst – Accenture
Business Analyst – Deloitte
Quantitative Trader - Northstar Trading

Possible professional designations

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)

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.

Arrow pointing up and clicking Apply directly to this program on your application

math tie Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics

Graduation cap Earn a Bachelor of Mathematics

Ready to learn more?

Visit the Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy website
Contact our Mathematics recruitment co-ordinator, who can answer your questions about the program
Subscribe to our newsletter to get tips and advice from current students

Fast track your career

Once you graduate, spend just eighth months taking the Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree and you’ll be ready to write the Common Final Examination.

Meet friends for life

Planning to live in residence? Choose the Accounting and Finance Living-Learning Community and build lasting friendships, participate in residence events, get support from upper-year students, and more.