Enter the fascinating and high-stakes world of finance through the Math/Financial Analysis and Risk Management (FARM) program. You’ll develop advanced skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, while building a strong foundation in corporate finance, asset pricing, and economics. This unique program is one of the few in Canada recognized by both the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute and the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA), giving you a competitive edge and helping fast-track your entry into an exciting career.
The Math/FARM program will provide the skills and experience you need to succeed in today’s competitive financial landscape, and you'll graduate ready to forecast market trends, assess risk, and make data-driven financial decisions.
Chartered Financial Analyst Specialization
Financial analysts use data and information in a company’s financial statements for valuation, credit risk assessment, management compensation, investment, and other economic decisions.
This program will also help you prepare for the highly desirable Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, administered by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFAI).
For more information on this designation, visit the CFAI website.
Professional Risk Management Specialization
Many of the business industry’s most sought-after positions require the mathematical and risk management skills that this program combines. The profile of risk managers is higher than ever, and their roles within the corporate structure are varied and interesting. The increasing focus on credit, operational, market and financial risk management means that graduates from this program will have a wide range of opportunities.
This program will help you prepare for the popular Professional Risk Management (PRM) designation offered through the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA). The PRM is considered to be an indispensable credential for financial risk managers. For more information on this designation, visit the PRMIA website.
Risk management is a more quantitative specialization than financial analysis, with a greater emphasis on mathematics coursework.
Co-operative Education
The University of Waterloo was an early innovator of co-op and has established connections with over 8,000 employers in over 75 countries who actively recruit our students. Co-op provides the opportunity to gain relevant, paid work experience throughout your education.
By the time you graduate, you'll have amassed nearly two years of experience to help build your resume and will have had opportunities to try different fields or industries. Mathematics students have completed a wide variety of co-op placements at some of the top companies in the world. Learn more about how co-op works at Waterloo.
Previous co-op positions include:
- Business systems analyst
- Junior gaming analyst
- Financial analyst
- Risk analyst
- Credit risk analyst
- Software developer
- Hedging assets specialist
- Trading products quantitative analyst
Our graduates often pursue careers in risk analysis, consulting, business development, and related areas. Many FARM grads go on to work for insurance companies and financial institutions in positions such as:
- Portfolio management, evaluator
- Quantitative analyst
- Observational risk analyst
- Data support analyst
- Capital markets risk management associate
- Business development planner, finance
- Treasury manager
Majors and Degree Customization
As a Mathematics student, you can customize your educational experience to fit your academic and professional needs and interests. You'll have the opportunity to add a second major, pursue a minor, participate in entrepreneurial activities, explore our wealth of available courses, and so much more!
Gain valuable experience and grow your skills by:
- Pursuing a Minor
- Completing an Undergraduate Research Assistantship
- Spending time studying abroad
- Completing EDGE to fast-track your journey toward career success.
- Getting involved with Waterloo's top entrepreneurship ecosystem
- Taking advantage of the wide range of courses in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science or other mathematical disciplines
Student Life
Mathematics and Business students are constantly finding ways to connect and share their love of all things mathematics and computer science both in and outside the classroom. Whatever your hobbies and passions are, you will be able to find a club or group of friends to explore them with, and discover new interests too.
Some of the relevant popular clubs and societies include:
Next Steps for Your Offer
- Explore the majors available and consider the opportunity to pursue your education in the Faculty of Mathematics.
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Attend our Alternate Offers webinar on May 12 and ask any questions you have about Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management (FARM).
- Register for our other upcoming Admitted Student Webinars to learn more about what life is like as a Mathematics student at Waterloo. Or you can book a 1:1 meeting with us to ask your questions.
- Contact us if you have any questions about the program or your offer.
- Log in to the Waterloo Applicant Portal to review your Offer of Admission and scholarship information (if applicable).
- Accept your Offer by June 1, 2026 through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre.