Master of Science in Finance - Quantitative (MSFQ)
Contact Info
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:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| DAT 5370 | Data Analysis, Forecasting and Risk Analysis | 3 |
| DAT 5561 | Introduction to Python and Data Science | 3 |
| FIN 5017 | Quantitative Risk Management | 3 |
| FIN 5018 | Topics in Quantitative Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 5240 | Options and Futures | 1.5 |
| FIN 5241 | Derivative Securities | 1.5 |
| FIN 5250 | Fixed Income Securities | 1.5 |
| FIN 5270 | Financial Markets and Institutions | 1.5 |
| FIN 5320 | Investment Theory | 1.5 |
| FIN 5321 | Data Analysis for Investments | 1.5 |
| FIN 5340 | Advanced Corporate Finance I - Valuation | 1.5 |
| FIN 5341 | Advanced Corporate Finance II - Financing | 1.5 |
| FIN 5370 | Advanced Derivative Securities | 3.0 |
| FIN 5380 | Stochastic Foundations for Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 5390 | Mathematical Finance | 1.5 |
| FIN 5520 | Fixed Income Derivatives | 1.5 |
| MGT 5600 | Professional Business Communication | 1.5 |
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 approved list)
Option B:
- 3 experiential course credits plus
- 4.5 elective credits from the approved list
Experiential course options:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIN 5019 | CFAR Practicum | 3 |
| MGT 5022 | Applied Problem Solving for Organizations | 1.5 |
| MGT 5515 | Internship, Business and Application | 1.5 |
Approved MSFQ elective courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CSE 4102 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSE 4107 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
| CSE 4207 | Cloud Computing with Big Data Applications | 3 |
| CSE 5104 | Data Mining | 3 |
| DAT 5550 | Machine Learning Tools for Prediction of Business Outcomes | 3 |
| DAT 5564 | Database Design and SQL | 1.5 |
| DAT 5566 | Big Data and Cloud Computing | 1.5 |
Additional approved elective options (if necessary):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIN 5315 | ESG Investing | 1.5 |
| FIN 5575 | Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies | 1.5 |
| FIN 5902 | Financial Industry Platform for MSFQ and MSFWAM Students | 0 |
| MEC 5310 | The Global Economy | 1.5 |
| MGT 5785 | Strategic Data Storytelling and Visualization for Business | 1.5 |
| Other courses with Academic Director approval | ||