<p>If I graduate with a BS in Economics from a small state school, having taken introductory courses in Finance and Accounting, and also Calculus, can I get into an MS in Finance?</p>
<p>Depends on what you mean by “calculus.” Most MS programs in finance will require three semesters of calculus (differential, integral, and multivariable calculus) and linear algebra. Some programs will want to see stronger mathematical backgrounds than others. Ideally, you’ll have taken the entire calculus sequence (I-III), linear algebra, differential equations, one or two undergraduate calculus-based statistics & probability/econometrics courses, and perhaps some other math classes - like optimization, real analysis, or stochastic processes.</p>
<p>My university has two of these kinds of programs. The MA in Mathematics of Finance requires prior coursework or knowledge in calculus (through multivariable), linear algebra, differential equations, probability and statistics, and a programming language. The MS in Financial Economics, in our busines school, seems to require pretty much the same prep - probability and statistics, microeconomics, two semesters of calculus, linear algebra, and a programming language.</p>
<p>Most other MS in finance programs I’ve checked out require similar coursework.</p>
<p>Thanks for responding. That’s odd. I’ve checked out a few MSF programs and they don’t require that many courses in mathematics; they seem to only require a course in calculus. If what you’re saying is true, I might as well minor in Accounting and Finance as well as majoring in Economics (I’d graduate a semester+ earlier if I only majored in Economics, and at this point, that’s the timetable I’d prefer.) To major in Accounting and Finance (which would be ideal) I’d have another two+ years and have to take five (in my opinion, pointless) management courses as well. I want to go into Finance, and I was thinking an undergraduate degree in Economics and an MS (hopefully only one year) in Finance from a better school than my current one would give me essentially the same amount of relevant knowledge that I would receive if I majored in Accounting and Finance or majored in Economics and minored in Accounting and Finance at this school.</p>
<p>I thought it was only quantitative finance that required more math prereq’s</p>
<p>Master in Finance programs only require stats and calc. Anything more than that and you are talking about MFE programs. Just about every MSF program I know about (which is pretty much all of them in the US) have an econometric’s class and maybe a theory class. This is where you are going to use your calc and stats. Derivatives, Fixed Income, Valuation, etc all use simple math and algebra. </p>
<p>OP - With that background you are eligible to apply to all MSF programs. You should be fine. You can also apply to the UVA MS Commerce program as your econ background isn’t considered business, which they do not allow into their program. You will be fine, don’t worry.</p>