Crunch numbers. Calculate odds. Create career success.
Many of the business industry’s most sought-after positions require the mathematical and risk management skills that this program combines.
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 graduate with two years of paid work experience on your résumé.
Program highlights
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. Graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare for 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 regular or co-op program
- Graduate with a Bachelor of Mathematics
- Offered by the Faculty of Mathematics
What will you learn?
First-year courses
During your first year, you'll take a mix of foundational courses in Mathematics, Computer Science, and communications.
In your upper years, you'll take courses in statistics, finance, accounting, and business.
Learn more about the courses you'll take for your degree.
Customize your degree
In your third year, you'll be able to choose the Chartered Financial Analyst Specialization or Professional Risk Management Specialization.
Once you're a student, advisors can help you explore which minors or specializations may fit into your plans.
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Ask a Faculty of Mathematics student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!
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!
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
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.
Your first work term will be after first year (May to August 2025).
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
or halfway through second year (which can be January to April 2026).
| 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 | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fifth | Co-op | Co-op | Study |
There are options where you can have your first work term in the spring term after first year and your second work term after second year, or in the fall term halfway through your second year.
"I really value the wide range of courses I've taken and skills I've learned. The program is also very flexible, I've been able to study the topics of interest to me and customize my degree to suit the career path I want."Leslie, fourth-year Math/Financial Analysis and Risk Management student"Co-op has been instrumental for me not only to get valuable work experience, but also an unforgettable experience for me to explore different careers and paths!"Erik, fourth-year Math/Financial Analysis and Risk Management studentAdmission 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
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
Once you've applied, you'll need to complete the Admission Information Form as part of the application process.
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.
Connect with us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact our Faculty of Mathematics recruitment coordinator who can answer any questions you have.
