How much math is required for acceptance into MSF program (Masters in Finance)

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>Just wondering how much math would be minimum for a masters in Finance. I am not talking financial engineering, as I understand that would require at minimum a minor in math and in most cases, a major in math.I also understand it likely depends on the program, etc..etc..I am simply looking for a baseline here.</p>

<p>So would Calc I-III, Linear Algebra and a semester of Differential Equations suffice to get accepted into a Top 25 MS Finance program (assuming high GRE and such)? Also is there research available in finance or would it be better to simply intern in a finance related field?</p>

<p>Thank you for your time and consideration</p>

2

<p>Are you looking at finance programs in business schools, or finance programs housed in math or economics departments?</p>

<p>If you are going for an MBA, you’ll first and foremost need a strong foundation in statistics and probability. A background in calculus and linear algebra will help with statistics.</p>

<p>Finance programs housed in math or economics departments “strongly recommend” upper-level math training in addition to all of the classes you have listed plus statistics and probability.</p>

3

<p>I’m looking at finance programs in business school [Corporate Finance] but I don’t necessarily want an MBA and have heard it is nearly impossible to get into a top MBA without 2 years of work experience. </p>

<p>My goal is to get into a MS Finance program (ideally with at least partial funding) directly after my completion of undergrad, join the workforce a few years and then get either an MBA or go for a PHD in Finance.</p>

<p>Currently I am shooting for B.A. in Mathematical Economics and Economic Theory and minoring in Finance (while also going for Honors which includes 2 semesters of research and a senior thesis)</p>

<p>To clarify, this is all the math related courses I will be taking if I take this route…</p>

<p>Calc I-III
Intro to Linear Algebra
Ordinary Differential Equations I (364A)
Probability and Statistics (380)
Mathematical Statistics (381)
Econometrics I+II</p>

<p>With the minor in finance, I will be taking what I assume are the pre-reqs for most Masters in Finance programs (Business Finance, Investment Principles, Derivatives, Portfolio Analysis, etc…).</p>

<p>So my new question is the minor in finance substantially less useful than a minor in math (which would include 5-6 more upper level math courses instead of the finance courses) or is the path I am taking sufficient preparation?</p>

<p>Even better, should I change my major completely to finance and then minor in math?</p>

<p>For reference, these are the top 5 programs I am looking into currently</p>

<p>Fisher College (Ohio State - Specialized Master in Finance)
Olin Business School (Wash U. - MS Finance [Corporate Finance])
Owen Graduate School of Management (Vanderbilt - MS Finance [Corporate Finance])
Dearborn College (U of Michigan - MS in Finance)
Freeman School of Business (Tulane - MS Finance)</p>

<p>And I plan on applying to UCLA/UCSD/USC/Cal Berkeley and the other random schools in the Top 15 in the nation</p>

<p>Tulane’s site explicitly states that “College coursework demonstrating exceptional quantitative abilities is required” which kind of scares me into minoring in math…</p>