Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF)
Overview
Our graduate program is perfect for those seeking to develop a solid understanding of advanced analytical skills used for decision-making. Students obtain strong knowledge of finance, learn advanced statistical and econometric skills to analyze large financial datasets and gain exposure to the latest fintech applications.
Eight Reasons to Get a Master's Degree in Quantitative Finance (MSQF) at UNLV:
- Innovative Program: Through our forward-thinking curriculum and cutting-edge approaches, we prepare students for the future of finance and actively shape the industry. Our program is constantly evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing industry landscape and ensure that graduates are equipped to face today's challenges and become pioneers who navigate the finance world of tomorrow.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Designation: Receive preparation to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession. Research has shown that CFAs tend to earn higher salaries compared to their non-CFA counterparts. Employers often value the depth of knowledge and expertise that comes with the CFA designation, which can translate into better compensation packages and advancement opportunities.
- Research-Active 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.
- High Research Activity: 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, holding dual business and accounting accreditation by AACSB.
- Affordable and Quick: Our affordable and efficient program can be completed in just 12 months. This ensures that graduates are able to enter the workforce or pursue further education in a shorter time frame.
- STEM-Designated Program: A STEM-designated program allows international students to work in the U.S. for 36 months without a work visa.
- Mathematical and Computational Methods: Become prepared to apply mathematical and computational methods to develop and exploit financial opportunities for return enhancement and risk control.
- Dual Degree Option: A dual MBA/MSQF degree option is available, which offers a unique skill set that enables students to navigate the complexities of modern finance while understanding the broader business context in which financial decisions are made. Whether pursuing careers in investment banking, consulting, or corporate finance, graduates of the dual degree program are poised to excel in roles that demand both quantitative rigor and strategic thinking, setting them apart as multifaceted leaders in the finance industry.
Financial Strategies and Quantitative Methods Combined in One Specialized Degree
The program provides students with the skills to calculate risk in a portfolio, predict commodity prices, price mortgage-backed securities, create algorithmic trading strategies, and develop and validate risk models.
Receive Personalized Mentorship from Expert Faculty Members
As you pursue your degree, you'll engage with instructors who are actively involved in cutting-edge research and possess Ph.D. degrees from renowned universities. Their expertise ensures that the courses you take contain academic exercises and dynamic learning experiences enriched with the most up-to-date advancements in the field. Their mentorship will help you gain invaluable insights and guidance and equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field.
For more details about the faculty, visit the Faculty/Staff Directory page.
“The MSQF program prepares students for the future of finance, which requires the skills to analyze large datasets and make complex financial decisions. Students will be equipped to excel in all areas of finance, such as corporate finance, investments, banking, and risk management.”Daniel Chi, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Finance
Career Options
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.
With your 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
"I chose [this] 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 Requirements
Satisfactory GMAT or GRE score is required. Preference is given 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 (Math 181)
Interested students, regardless of undergraduate major, are encouraged to apply. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in business or quantitative areas (such as Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics) can likely spend less time fulfilling the prerequisite requirements. However, applicants without a business or quantitative background can certainly succeed in the program after satisfactorily completing the prerequisite requirements. The program is designed for full-time students, but it allows for part-time enrollment with an extended timeframe for completion. Students can apply for admission before all prerequisites have been met.
Program Structure
Our program will provide advanced education and training on core finance knowledge and skills at the graduate level, with special emphasis on quantitative methods in finance and new financial technologies.
- Requires 30 credit hours (10 courses), that may be finished in 12 months in Subplan 1.
- Can be completed in as little as 12 months (1 year)
- Courses will be offered primarily in the late afternoon or early evening, and meet once or twice a week.
The core MSQF curriculum includes courses in:
- Econometrics I, Statistical Modeling
- Corporate Finance: Theory and Quantitative Applications
- Investments: Theory and Quantitative Applications
- Corporate Finance Modeling
- Investments Modeling
A capstone project is a required culminating experience for the MSQF program. It should apply knowledge from the coursework to a project involving significant data analysis using large financial datasets. The capstone project will be a group project of four to five students working on a company or research project identified by faculty or students. To graduate, a minimum of 30 credit hours of MSQF program coursework (excluding prerequisites) is required with an overall GPA of at least 3.00.
The Accelerated BS-MS degree program is designed to provide high-achieving UNLV Finance undergraduate students the opportunity to take graduate courses that count toward the B.S. and MSQF degree programs at UNLV.
Up to six credits of approved graduate-level coursework, with a grade of C or better, can be taken as 400-level electives. Those credits will be waived for the graduate degree.
Students must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Accelerated Program sub-plan:
- Completion of FIN 303 and FIN 307 with a minimum grade of B for both courses.
- Submission of a completed UNLV Graduate College Approval for an Undergraduate to Enroll in a Graduate-Level Course form to the Graduate College, at least two weeks before the beginning of the semester for which they would like to register for graduate courses.
- All admissions to Subplan 2 (Accelerated BS-MS subplan) will be conditional on earning a B or better in the 700-level courses they are enrolled in while in undergraduate status.
- All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.
- Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog.
The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.
For more information, interested UNLV undergraduate students should inquire at fin.director@unlv.edu.
“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
Tuition and Fees
Visit the Tuition and College Cost page for more information. Please note that a differential fee applies for this program. For an approximate cost breakdown, contact the Office of Graduate Student Services at LEEogss@unlv.edu.
Application Deadlines
Note that this program does not admit students during the spring and summer terms.
Fall Term Deadline: International Applicants
- Priority Deadline – Feb. 1
- Final Deadline – May 1
Fall Term Deadline: Domestic/Permanent Residents
- Priority Deadline – March 1
- Final Deadline – June 1
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
702-895-3655
LEEogss@unlv.edu
Catalog Information
Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information.