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In the three-semester Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSFQ) program, students gain skills in mathematical and strategic decision making. Designed for students with a strong mathematical background, this technical curriculum is ideal if the student's career goals include working in financial services or related industries. Experiential learning is a degree requirement, so all MSFQ students will gain hands-on experience during their program.

Our quantitative finance program requires the completion of 39 credits, and it is STEM-designated for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The curriculum includes 31.5 required credits and 7.5 elective/experiential credits that focus on advanced quantitative skills and provide students with a current and innovative approach to finance.

Orientation Programs

All Specialized Master’s Programs students kick off their degrees with a multipronged orientation program designed to prepare them for academic, personal and professional success.

Students will participate in various online and in-person orientation activities prior to beginning their fall semester at Olin. SMP Start is a set of online modules that introduce students to the ins and outs of Washington University including policies and procedures, health and wellness, leadership opportunities, and more. SMP Orientation Week includes workshops, events, and cohort overviews including introductions to faculty and advisors. This week is set up to help students with their final preparations before the start of their first semester. Orientation includes career sessions, which serve as catalysts for students to help them get started in their career search. These programs are packed with opportunities for students to bond with their program cohort and to connect with their peers in all of the Specialized Master's Programs.

Students new to the United States may have the opportunity to participate in SMP GO, during which they will acclimate to the Olin Business School culture and strengthen their English and business communication skills. 

Simultaneously, students will complete optional online, asynchronous foundation courses to bolster their background and maximize their academic preparation before the start of their degree program. 

Required Courses

Students must complete the following courses:

DAT 5370Data Analysis, Forecasting & Risk Analysis3
DAT 5561Introduction to Python and Data Science3
FIN 5017Quantitative Risk Management3
FIN 5018Topics in Quantitative Finance1.5
FIN 5240Options and Futures1.5
FIN 5241Derivative Securities1.5
FIN 5250Fixed Income Securities1.5
FIN 5270Financial Markets and Institutions1.5
FIN 5320Investment Theory1.5
FIN 5321Data Analysis for Investments1.5
FIN 5340Advanced Corporate Finance I - Valuation1.5
FIN 5341Advanced Corporate Finance II - Financing1.5
FIN 5370Advanced Derivative Securities3
FIN 5380Stochastic Foundations for Finance1.5
FIN 5390Mathematical Finance1.5
FIN 5520Fixed Income Derivatives1.5
MGT 5600Professional Business Communication1.5

Experiential Courses and Electives

Students select one of the following options:

  • Option A
    • 1.5 experiential course credits plus
    • 4.5-6 elective credits from the approved list plus
    • 1.5 additional approved elective credits (if only 4.5 credits are completed from the approved list)
  • Option B
    • 3 experiential course credits plus
    • 4.5 elective credits from the approved list

Experiential Course Options

FIN 5111Quantitative Finance Practicum3
MGT 5515Internship, Business and Application1.5

Approved MSFQ Elective Courses

CSE 4102Introduction to Artificial Intelligence3
CSE 4107Introduction to Machine Learning3
CSE 4207Cloud Computing With Big Data Applications3
CSE 5104Data Mining3
DAT 5550Machine Learning Tools for Prediction of Business Outcomes3
DAT 5564Database Design and SQL1.5
DAT 5566Big Data and Cloud Computing1.5

Additional Approved Elective Options (if necessary)

FIN 5020Financial Markets - Institutions, NYC Immersion *3
FIN 5315ESG Investing1.5
FIN 5575Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies1.5
FIN 5902Financial Industry Platform for MSFQ and MSFWAM Students0.5
MEC 5310The Global Economy1.5
MGT 5785Strategic Data Storytelling and Visualization for Business1.5
*

FIN 5020 Financial Markets - Institutions, NYC Immersion is offered each May as part of the spring or summer term on a space-available basis, and additional travel costs are incurred.