Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF) Program

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

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View the MSQF Program Brochure MSQF Admission Checklist Our Students and Alumni Dual MSQF/MBA Program

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. Daniel Chi at daniel.chi@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.