The Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF) at UNLV is an innovative, leading-edge, and affordable 12-month degree program. Students will obtain strong knowledge of finance, learn advanced statistical and econometric skills to analyze large financial datasets (e.g., CRSP, Compustat, Execucomp, Institutional Shareholder Services, Factset, Wharton Research Data Services), and gain exposure to the latest fintech applications.
Program Highlights
- The most innovative program that prepares students for the future of finance.
- Courses taught by research active faculty with Ph.D. degrees from reputable universities who bring the most current subject knowledge into the classroom.
- A STEM-designated program that allows international students to work in the U.S. for 36 months after graduation without a work visa.
- Preparation for obtaining the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession.
- 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 brand-new MBA/MSQF dual-degree option is now available.
- View the Graduate Catalog
contact info
Why UNLV Lee Business School MSQF program?
- UNLV is among the top three percent of higher education institutions in the U.S. that are classified as R1 “very high research activity” status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Only 130 U.S. institutions have this distinction.
- Lee Business School is among the top one percent of business schools worldwide that hold international dual accreditation in business and accounting by AACSB, the premier accrediting organization for business education. Only 175 U.S. business schools hold this dual accreditation.
- The MSQF program is innovative, leading-edge, affordable, and can be completed in 12- months.
- Courses will be taught by research active faculty with Ph.D. degrees from reputable universities, who bring the most current subject knowledge into the classroom.
- Students will obtain the newest knowledge of finance, advanced statistical and econometric skills to manipulate and analyze large financial datasets, and exposure to the latest Fintech applications.
- The MSQF program is STEM designated that allows international students to obtain relevant work experience in the U.S. for 36 months after graduation without being sponsored for a work visa (e.g., H-1B) by an employer.
- The MSQF program prepares students for obtaining the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, which is well recognized and sought after in the investment management profession.
Potential Career Opportunities
- 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 regulatory institutions.
- The finance department at UNLV engages with reputable prospective employers to facilitate internship and placement opportunities for students.
- Networking opportunities through various speaker and student events are a part of students’ life on campus. The LEE Career and Professional Development Center and UNLV Office of International Students and Scholars office provides advising to students seeking employment opportunities.
- This program will also prepare students interested in pursuing doctoral degrees in finance.
- Based on reported data from other U.S. MS Finance programs, the average starting salary exceeds $65,000.
Tuition and Fees
Estimated program tuition and fees for 30 credits of MSQF Coursework:
- Nevada Residents: $21,152.00
- Out-of-State U.S. Residents: $39,259.00
- International Residents: $39,549.00
Estimated additional expenses:
- Other UNLV Related Fees: $1,240 per year
- Health Insurance (full time students): $2,892 per year [Fall, Spring, Summer]
- Rent, Utilities, Food: $17,644 per year
- Travel and Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $6,596 per year
Scholarships
All scholarships deadlines are dates prior to the fall semester you intend to start the program.
Graduate college scholarships and fellowships
Deadline: Dec. 1
For more information and to apply visit the scholarships page.
Need-based Scholarships
Deadline: March. 1
Several scholarships are available each year. For more information and to apply visit the scholarships page.
Merit-based graduate assistantships
Deadline: March 1
3-4 assistantships chosen each year. For more information contact Dr. Andrew Zhang at fin.director@unlv.edu.
Program Contacts
For questions or inquiries, including those related to applications or admissions, please contact Professor Andrew Zhang at fin.director@unlv.edu.
Meet the Faculty
Courses required for the Master of Science in Qualitative Finance degree are taught by research-active faculty with Ph.D. degrees from reputable universities who bring the most current subject knowledge into the classroom.
J. Daniel Chi, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Finance
Office:
BEH
514
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-3493
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
daniel.chi@unlv.edu
Patricia Butler
Administrative Assistant III
Office:
BEH
514
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-3650
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
patricia.butler@unlv.edu
Saeyoung Chang, Ph.D.
Professor
Office:
BEH
522
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-3967
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
saeyoung.chang@unlv.edu
Robert Chatfield, Ph.D.
Professor
Office:
BEH
528
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-3019
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
robert.chatfield@unlv.edu
Suengmook (Sam) Choi, Ph.D.
Professor
Office:
BEH
534
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-4668
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
seungmook.choi@unlv.edu
Melvin (Mel) Jameson, Ph.D.
Professor
Director of International Initiatives
Director of International Initiatives
Office:
BEH
520
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-1025
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
melvin.jameson@unlv.edu
Percy Poon, Ph.D.
Professor
Office:
BEH
521
Mail Code:
6001
Phone:
702-895-3017
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
percy.poon@unlv.edu
Michael Sullivan, Ph.D.
Professor
Office:
BEH
536
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-4669
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
michael.sullivan@unlv.edu
Paul Thistle, Ph.D.
Professor
Office:
BEH
526
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-3856
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
paul.thistle@unlv.edu
Chris Utterback
Affiliate Professor
Office:
BEH
529
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-5998
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
chris.utterback@unlv.edu
Zihan Ye
Assistant Professor
Office:
BEH
537
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702 895-1184
Fax:
702 895-4630
Email:
zihan.ye@unlv.edu
Jianzhong (Andrew) Zhang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Quantitative Finance (MSQF) Program
Office:
BEH
539
Mail Code:
6008
Phone:
702-895-2527
Fax:
702-895-4630
Email:
andrew.zhang@unlv.edu