Master of Quantitative Finance Frequently Asked Questions

Please see admissions page for details and requirements for your application and admission. In addition:

1. We consider:
   • How many quantitative classes the applicant has taken
   • What kinds of classes those were (i.e. introductory/survey courses vs. a full sequence (e.g. Calculus I, II, & III)
   • How well the applicant did in those classes
2. Applicants must have completed at least one full year of calculus, upper-level probability and statistics, linear algebra, and differential equations.
3. Applicants must have a high level of performance on the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE.
4. Applicants must submit a complete application packet.
5. Further considerations include:
   • Level of Education: we receive applications from students who hold Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees alike in areas like: mathematics, sciences, engineering, economics, management, etc.
   • GPA: we do not have a set minimum GPA requirement towards admission to our program. However GPA is an important factor in assessing the overall strength of each application.
   • The Essay: verbal and written communication skills are essential in placing students once they graduate so, we do seriously consider this aspect of each application.
   • Work Experience: is not required but could prove a significant 'edge' in both the application process and in the post graduate employment process. However, many of our students do come to us with little or no work experience.
   • Context: applications are evaluated on the strength of each application on its face and within the context of the overall applicant pool.

Test results are NOT required.

When selecting a candidate for admission, we evaluate the student’s overall qualifications, not just standardized test scores or GPAs. Typically, the average TOEFL score is 100, and average IELTS is a 7 or above. The typical GPA is 3.5 or greater. Please note, however, that these scores are neither necessary nor sufficient for admission. 

If you have earned a degree from a U.S. university, or will have successfully earned it by the time you start our program, you do not need to take the TOEFL/IELTS exam. In other words, if you are slated to graduate from a US or English-speaking university in June of 2019 and apply to our program for Fall 2019 admission, your requirement would still be waived because you will have earned the degree by the start of the program, even though at the time of application you were still completing it.

Not necessarily. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds including mathematics, finance, business, sciences and engineering of all kinds. However, you do need to have had completed the minimum pre-requisite courses to be considered for admission into the program: calculus I, II and III, differential equations, linear algebra, probability theory and computer programming.

All courses must be completed as a condition of admission to the program. Courses taken at a community college are generally not acceptable because they are not upper-level courses. Depending on the course content, it may be possible that Calculus I and II taken at a community college may be considered for admission, but this cannot be guaranteed.

While it is possible for domestic, non-F-1 students to take a part-time course load as needed, it is not possible to complete the program as a strictly part-time student. At some point, you will need to take day-time classes and, possibly, a full-time course load, which will require a flexible work schedule.Because the vast majority of MQF students are full-time, most courses, including core courses, run during the standard work day; therefore, it would be impossible to complete the program going to school only at night or on weekends. None of our classes are offered online.

The program is based in Newark, though some of our students occasionally opt to take approved elective courses in New Brunswick. The program cannot be completed exclusively in New Brunswick, nor are students obligated to take courses in New Brunswick.

Auditing courses (i.e. sitting in courses that you have not registered for) is not permitted in the MQF program.

As of February 2014, the Master of Quantitative Finance program at Rutgers Business School was given STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) status by the U.S. Department of Education. The major is classified as “Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods” by the DOE. For international students on an F-1 visa, this designation grants additional time to work in the U.S. after graduation, allowing students to have up to 29 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), as opposed to 12 months.The only thing that has changed is the classification of the program for the DOE; the program’s curriculum and degree remain the same. More information about OPT and STEM is available at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Admission to our program has become highly competitive. In the 2017-2018 academic year, 55 students enrolled for the program out of 400 applicants.

Admission for this program is offered during the Spring and Fall. Students who already hold a Ph.D. may submit a request for admission during the Spring or Summer term in writing. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by the MQF Committee.

This program addresses a relatively unfilled need for people with a combination of quantitative skills and financial knowledge. Currently business is filling positions with employees who have quantitative skills but minimal financial training, such as, mathematicians, statisticians, or engineers. Companies place a premium on modelers who have a combination of a strong background in financial theory and solid quantitative skills.

MQF graduates are likely to find positions in Wall Street firms, such as banks, hedge funds, mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, consulting companies, and even financial software firms.

EducationUSA is a resource that not only helps you decide which US institution to attend, but they can help you with understanding your application, the VISA process, and provide additional information you may need before embarking on your educational journey in the United States.

Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information

Refer to this document: Recommended Reading Materials in Math and Programming before Pursuing the MQF Program

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