Redefine the bottom line
Today’s investors, businesses, and governments are increasingly focused on sustainability alongside dollars and cents.
Sustainable finance is paving the way for a greener future by moving beyond the limited approaches of the past. For companies, aligning environmental responsibility with profitability is becoming essential. Using environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting to drive policy and decision-making ensures long-term success.
This shift is creating a growing demand for a new breed of financial experts who can integrate people, profits, and the planet into the bottom line. Through this unique program, you'll gain a premier accounting and finance education from the School of Accounting and Finance.
You'll also gain a deep understanding of sustainability from Canada’s largest Faculty of Environment, a leader in sustainable business education for over two decades. Plus, with 16 months of paid co-op work experience, you’ll have the opportunity to explore careers and gain valuable skills before you graduate!
Faculty:
School of Accounting and Finance and the Faculty of Environment
Degree:
Bachelor of Sustainability and Financial Management
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
No
Available as a minor?
No
Kickstart your credentials. Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) is a direct route to a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Grow your own green business. Take a course in green entrepreneurship or drop by Entrepreneurship at Environment to work on your business plan with experienced advisors.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Study |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | - | - |
Your first work term will be halfway through your second year (January to April 2027).
What can you do with a Sustainability and Financial Management degree?
A student's perspective
Discover career opportunities for each of the specializations in SFM by someone who knows the program: Ethan, a current student.
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of 75%)
- Advanced Functions (minimum final grade of 75%)
- Calculus and Vectors (minimum final grade of 75%)
- Completion of the SAF Admissions Assessment (SAFAA)
Recommended courses: Principles of Financial Accounting, Mathematics of Data Management
Anticipated admission average: Individual selection from the mid-80s
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?
Please email Kelly Millar who can answer questions you have.