After earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics and economics, Isabel Krogh enrolled in the University of Chicago's MS in Financial Mathematics program. She sought technical skills for a career in quantitative finance.
"This program has definitely unlocked opportunities from two different angles: I am more confident knowing what career paths excite me and what roles I'm interested in, and I also feel much more equipped to be a good employee in those roles," said Krogh, who is interning at Graham Capital Management.
The program combines technical curriculum with career services tailored to the quant finance industry. Mark Hendricks, director of the MS in Financial Mathematics program, noted that jobs increasingly require math, statistics, and computing due to technologies like AI and blockchain.
"We seek to train students as quant 'chefs,' not as quant 'cooks,'" Hendricks said. The program can be completed full-time in five quarters or part-time within three years. An online degree will launch in January 2026.
Krogh emphasized the multidisciplinary nature of the curriculum. "The multi-disciplinary curriculum has been very helpful," she said.
The Project Lab component allows students to collaborate with firms on research projects involving AI agents, deep learning, cryptocurrency, and machine-learning techniques.
Graduates have found success at companies like Goldman Sachs and BlackRock. Arlene Tang praised the program's focus on mathematical foundations. "It has been instrumental in shaping my professional growth," she said.
In addition to Financial Math, UChicago launched two new master's programs at Booth School of Business: Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program and Master in Management Program. These programs combine academic rigor with industry relevance.
While all three programs overlap somewhat, each has distinct focuses:
- The Financial Math curriculum includes mathematics, statistics, computer science, and data science.
- The Asness and Liew Master prepares students for careers across various finance sectors.
- The Booth Master builds bridges to careers in consulting, corporate finance, health care, media technology among others.
Ralph S.J. Koijen highlighted courses on disruptive technologies such as AI and blockchain within these programs.
"Students need to be equipped to master those kinds of tools," said Stefan Nagel about the importance of quantitative analysis skills.
The Booth Master in Management Program offers rigorous training through core courses like economics and managerial psychology alongside specialization options including strategic management or analytics.
Jeffrey R. Russell emphasized preparation for entry-level roles by pairing analytical acumen with management fundamentals while Daniel Bartels stressed Booth's emphasis on student success rooted deeply within its culture built upon rigorous discipline-based training focused heavily upon analytical thinking alongside evidence-based decision-making practices offered throughout their flexible curriculum providing experiential learning opportunities which ultimately lead towards comprehensive knowledge regarding business operations thereby opening up new better professional opportunities leading towards intellectual personal professional growth according many graduates who've credited world-class faculty here at this institution!
Etienne Ouellet appreciated interaction opportunities provided via leading MBA researchers exposure innovative solutions diverse perspectives cultures cohort comprised largely international students inspired observing pitch session renowned Edward L Kaplan ’71 New Venture Challenge startup accelerator where many ideas grounded desire do good appreciated support received community overall noting value administration staff support members provide making experience best possible cornerstone meaningful welcoming community being part thereof!