In light of the disruptions caused by COVID-19, the application deadline for Fall 2020 admission has been extended to August 1 for both domestic and international applicants.
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.
- View the Graduate Catalog
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: $17, 467.50
- Out-of-State U.S. Residents: $31,939.50
- International Residents: $32,229.50
Estimated additional expenses:
- Other UNLV Related Fees: $1,000 per year
- Health Insurance (full time students): $2,450 per year [Fall, Spring, Summer]
- Rent, Utilities, Food: $12,000 per year
- Travel and Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $3,000 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 Daniel Chi at daniel.chi@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.
Saeyoung Chang, Ph.D.
Professor, Chair of Finance
Office: BEH 522
Mail Code: 6008
Phone: 702-895-3967
Fax: 702-895-4630
Email: saeyoung.chang@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
Robert Chatfield, Ph.D.
Professor
Office: BEH 528
Mail Code: 6008
Phone: 702-895-3019
Fax: 702-895-4630
Email: robert.chatfield@unlv.edu
Jianxin Daniel Chi, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF) Program
Office: BEH 522
Mail Code: 6008
Phone: 702-895-3493
Fax: 702-895-4630
Email: daniel.chi@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
Office: BEH 520
Mail Code: 6008
Phone: 702-895-1025
Fax: 702-895-4630
Email: melvin.jameson@unlv.edu
Scott Lee, Ph.D.
Lincy Professor of Finance
Office: BEH 524
Mail Code: 6009
Phone: 702-895-2526
Fax: 702-895-4630
Email: scott.lee@unlv.edu
Ankur Pareek, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Lee Professor of Finance
Office: BEH 525
Mail Code: 6008
Phone: 702-895-5609
Email: ankur.pareek@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 535
Mail Code: 6008
Phone: 702 895-1184
Fax: 702 895-4630
Email: zihan.ye@unlv.edu
Jianzhong (Andrew) Zhang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: BEH 539
Mail Code: 6008
Phone: 702-895-2527
Fax: 702-895-4630
Email: andrew.zhang@unlv.edu