Chicago (Financial Mathematics) vs Columbia (MAFN) vs JHU (MIEF)

Graduate School
1

Hi,

I am struggling with these choices:

  1. Chicago (Financial Mathematics)
  2. Columbia (Master in Mathematics with a specialization in Mathematics)
  3. Johns Hopkins SAIS (Master in International Economics and Finance)

After graduation, I want to pursue a career in actuarial area or risk management field, related with economics/finance/accounting. And I may pursue a PhD degree in economics/finance/accounting after working a couple of years.
They are all good programs. Hard to say which one is the best.

In terms of location (career), it seems that Columbia offers the most opportunities. Chicago and JHU are also OK.
In terms of academics, Chicago is relatively better. Professors in Columbia do not care much about students (compared to the other two). JHU professors are very kind and JHU does have many opportunities to join world bank.

In terms of the city, JHU in Washington DC has the best environment (and I really like this city. It’s so clean). Chicago is OK, but NY is kinda dirty… …
In terms of ranking, Columbia >= Chicago > JHU

Does anyone know more about these programs? Any suggestion will be appreciated. Thanks a lot!

2

If you want to be an actuary, take the exams. You don’t need to be an advanced degree holder to be an actuary. It’s time and money better spent on passing exams which are what matters when it comes to hiring.