Ross/Math Dual Degree or Accelerated Master's in Math Program

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

So I was wondering what you guys think would be more profitable in the long run. I would like to go into some sort of finance or consulting career. I am not so interested in research or academia. I would appreciate any responses.

Currently I am planning on getting a dual degree from Ross (already into Ross) and an LSA degree in Financial Mathematics, all I would have to pay for this would be room and board, and ~$7,000 to cover the extra credits, since my parent’s bought four years worth from the Michigan Education Trust.

My other idea was to take advantage of the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management (http://dept.math.lsa.umich.edu/graduate/masters.html) which would get me a Master’s in five years and cost me about $20,000 extra but this would be impossible to do with the Ross dual degree too.

Thank you again

2

How much longer than four years do you expect for Option 1 - one semester? The other option is to only minor in math and finish in four years.

3

Option 1 I would be able to graduate on time taking 16 credits per semester but the MET only covers and this would take 130-136 which I would need to pay for.

4

I think option 1 is better:
A. Quicker
B. Lower cost
C. Take advantage of Ross recruiting, which is key.

D. Will not get better recruiting opportunities from option B.

5

For sure, thank you. Any advice on graduate education beyond that?

6

Michigan is pretty well recruited by employers in large cities. For finance New York is THE city and Columbia is the most heavily represented local school.

I’d apply to Sloan (MIT) to work in Boston; I’d apply to University of Chicago to work in Chicago and as noted above, both Ross and Columbia for New York and DC.

7

Thank you, and would an MBA be the best next step or a higher degree in mathematics/financial engineering?

8

I would say MBA but only if necessary.