Financial Mathematics and Analytics (BA)

Learn how to solve real-world problems in finance and risk management through problem-based and data-driven learning and hands-on math labs, where you’ll work with relevant industry software. This modern program focuses on the analysis of financial data and risks, the evaluation of complex securities, the modeling of financial instruments, and more.

Gain the theoretical and practical knowledge and graduate career-ready to go into various fields including accounting firms, financial institutions, insurance, asset management, consulting, government, and the tech sector.

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Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on in this program: 

  • Data-Driven Learning: Gain theoretical and practical knowledge in key areas such as portfolio optimization theory and the Black-Scholes model. The program emphasizes problem-based and data-driven learning, enabling students to solve real-world problems in finance and risk management.
  • Extensive Math Lab Time: Our hands-on math labs provide practical experience with industry-relevant software, preparing graduates for careers in various fields.
  • Dedicated Math Support: Leverage resources available through the Mathematics and Statistics Learning Support for your courses.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

Courses, Options and Pathways

First-Year Core Courses

  • Calculus I
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Introduction to Data Analytics
  • Foundations and Applications of Mathematics or Introduction to Mathematical Proofs
  • Introduction to Mathematics for Finance
  • Introduction to Microeconomics
  • Introductory Linear Algebra with Applications

Sample First-Year Electives

  • Introduction to Programming
  • Data Structures I 

Upper-Year Courses

  • Financial Mathematics I and II
  • Computational Methods for Data Analysis
  • Probability I and II
  • Regression Analysis
  • Differential Equations
  • Monte Carlo Methods
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Introduction to Actuarial Mathematics
  • Stochastic Calculus and Modelling
  • Computational Methods in Finance 

Concentrations, Options and Minors

You can select elective courses in mathematics and statistics within six optional concentrations:

  • Computational Finance
  • Financial Risk Management
  • Statistics and Data Analytics
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Analysis and Geometry
  • Discrete Mathematics and Algebra

Looking to do more with your degree? Add an option or minor to your degree.

Management Option

The Management Option is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit option that includes courses covering all the core pillars of business and economics. Apply directly to Financial Mathematics and Analytics (BA) with Management Option on OUAC.

Medical School Pathways

We prepare you for a clinical career in Canada. Laurier students apply to med school with a competitive edge and gain preferential status with internationally accredited medical schools, including the American University of the Caribbean and St. George’s University.

Admissions

  • Format: full time or part time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)
  • OUAC codes: UAM; UMR (FM with Management Option)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • actuary
  • business system/statistical analyst
  • equity research associate
  • financial controller
  • investment banking analyst
  • real estate investment consultant
  • senior assurance associate
  • accounting analyst
  • bank examiner
  • commodities manager/broker
  • financial analyst/manager
  • risk manager
  • stock trader
  • portfolio manager

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Your Co-op Experience

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

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98%employment rate for co‑op students – 2023 / 2024

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Global 2000 World University Ranking

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2023

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2023

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

Chat with Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?