Management Science (M.S.)

Quantitative Finance Specialization

The Quantitative Finance specialization in the M.S. in Management Science program is ideal for students who want to apply the theoretical, analytical, and quantitative rigor of management science to careers in finance.

In addition to the program’s core courses in mathematical economics and statistics in management science, this specialization focuses on theory, modeling, and programming in finance and on key areas of asset pricing and investment management. Students also select at least nine credits in elective courses (typically three courses) offered by master’s programs at Stuart.

Required courses for the Quantitative Finance specialization (three credits per course):

  • MSC 631 —Theory of Finance I
  • MSC 633 —Theory of Finance II
  • MSF 545/MSC 613—Structured Fixed Income Portfolios
  • MSF 546/MSC 614—Quantitative Investment Strategies

View the curriculum for the M.S. in Management Science (MSC) program and MSC course descriptions.

Career Opportunities

Chicago’s position as a global center for finance and home to the world’s largest markets in financial derivatives make it a prime location for internships, job opportunities, and networking for Stuart students in finance.

The M.S. in Management Science with a specialization in Quantitative Finance prepares students for a wide range of careers in finance, particularly in areas such as investment and commercial banking, trading, and risk management. This background also opens career opportunities across industries in business functions focused on finance, financial modeling, and risk compliance.

Our graduates are ready to step into roles such as:

  • Fund manager, portfolio manager, or asset manager
  • Financial analyst, financial consultant, or derivatives trader
  • Data science analyst, quantitative analyst, or financial engineer 
  • Risk manager or risk compliance manager