Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF)
Overview
Duration
12 months (full time)
Required Credits
30
Location
UNLV campus
Eight Reasons to Get a Master's Degree in Quantitative Finance (MSQF) at UNLV:
- The most innovative program that prepares students for the future of finance.
- Preparation for obtaining the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession.
- Courses taught by research-active faculty with Ph.D. degrees from reputable universities who bring the most current subject knowledge into the classroom
- UNLV is among the top three percent of U.S. universities that receive the “very high research activity” designation by the Carnegie Foundation. Lee Business School is among the top one percent of business schools worldwide that hold dual accreditation in business and accounting by AACSB.
- The MSQF program is innovative, leading-edge, affordable, and can be completed in 12- months.
- A STEM-designated program allows international students to work in the U.S. for 36 months without a work visa.
- Prepares students to apply mathematical and computational methods to develop and exploit financial opportunities for return enhancement and risk control.
- A dual MBA/MSQF degree option is available.
Financial Strategies and Quantitative Methods Combined in This Specialized Degree
UNLV’s MSQF program is perfect for those who seek to develop a solid understanding of advanced analytical skills used for decision-making. You will obtain strong knowledge of finance, learn advanced statistical and econometric skills to analyze large financial datasets, and gain exposure to the latest fintech applications. The program provides students with the skills required to calculate risk in a portfolio, predict commodity prices, price mortgage-backed securities, create algorithmic trading strategies, and develop and validate models for risk.
"I chose the UNLV MSQF program because of the great faculty and opportunity that are encompassed in the program. Since starting this program, I have been hired as a decentralized financial analyst for Crypto, and I am starting my own business. I look forward to a prosperous career that will use the many great skills I learned while studying at UNLV. I appreciate and am grateful for UNLV and highly recommend prospective students enroll in the MSQF program."
Anthony Levesque
MSQF Alumni, Summer ‘22
Admission Process
Interested students are encouraged to apply, regardless of undergraduate major. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in business or quantitative areas (such as engineering, mathematics, and physics) can likely spend less time fulfilling the prerequisite requirements.
After completing the prerequisite requirements satisfactorily, applicants without a business or quantitative background can certainly succeed in the program. The program is targeted at full-time students, but part-time enrollment is feasible with a longer time frame for completion. Students can apply for admission before all prerequisites are met, but they must complete the prerequisite courses before starting the program.
Satisfactory GMAT or GRE score is required. Preference applies to applicants with GMAT scores above 550 (or the GRE equivalent).
Successful applicants need to have earned a B grade (or equivalent) in the following courses (or equivalent courses):
- Introductory Finance (FIN 301)
- Introductory Financial Accounting (ACC 201)
- Introductory Microeconomics (ECON 102)
- Introductory Statistics (ECON 261)
- Introductory Mathematical Economics (ECON 440) or Calculus I (Math 181)
Program Structure
The MSQF degree is a 30-hour program in Quantitative Finance. Full-time students typically receive their degree in 12 months, while part-time students average between two to three years.
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
May 1 – International applicants
June 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Priority Deadline 1 – February 1
Priority Deadline 2 – March 1
Spring Term:
This program does not admit students for the spring term.
Summer Term:
This program does not admit students for the summer term
Faculty
Our courses are taught by research-active faculty with Ph.D. degrees from reputable universities who bring the most current subject knowledge into the classroom.
These faculty are world-recognized experts in numerous business sectors, publish in top-tier internationally recognized academic journals, and are engaged in the business community.
Advanced Quantitative Methods — More Career Opportunities
The demand for quants is coming from all industries. Achieving mastery within this field is an excellent way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Graduates with quantitative finance degrees often work in various analyst or leadership positions in corporate finance, investment management, investment banking, hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity, risk management, trading, commercial banking, insurance, or regulator institutions.
"Joining the MSQF program was the catalyst that propelled my career forward at a remarkable rate. Job opportunities immediately became available, and the skill sets I developed during the program gave me the confidence and capacity to overcome any challenges."
Lucas Gutierrez
MSQF Alumni, Summer ‘20
Career Options
With your dual MBA/MSQF degree, you'll have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of roles, including:
- Quantitative financial analyst
- Senior Analyst
- Market risk analyst
- Investor reporting quantitative analyst
- Finance manager
- Investment Analyst
- Data scientist
- Chief Finance Officer
Program Advisors Contact
Lee Business School
Andrew Zhang
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Quantitative Finance (MSQF) Program
702-895-3493
fin.director@unlv.edu
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
Lisa Davis, Ph.D.
Executive Director
702-895-3655
lisa.davis@unlv.edu
Catalog Information
Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information.