The MS in Financial Engineering provides the skills to create and evaluate complex financial products, helping graduates become strategic leaders in the field. Students draw on tools from applied math, statistics, and financial and economic theory, to convert into (i) software programs in the most modern programming languages and (ii) successful decision-making. The program prepares graduates for careers in portfolio management and in risk management at various financial services institutions (banking, hedge funds, and financial technology companies).
The degree can be completed in two semesters, although students may choose to spread the degree over three semesters. Students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis and are given the flexibility to switch between either. All students are advised to plan their schedules carefully since most courses are only offered once during the year.
Degree Requirements
Coursework. The program requires 32 units of coursework.
New students are required to demonstrate competency in Financial Accounting prior to enrollment in coursework, by having taken a Financial Accounting course either as an undergraduate or recently online.
Required Core Courses (24 units).
- Corporate Finance
- Methods of Applied Probability and Statistics
- Stochastic Processes
- Mathematical Finance: Fixed Income and Derivatives
- Quantitative Risk Management
- Financial Time Series
Elective Courses (8 units). The following courses are recommended electives. Choose two out of three.
- Machine Learning for Asset Pricing and Management
- Asset Management Practicum
- Statistical Learning
Other electives in the Drucker School of Management or the Institute of Mathematical Sciences are also permitted, with the approval of the academic director of the program.
Satisfactory Academic Progress. University policies on satisfactory academic progress apply. Students must maintain an average grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better in the 40 required units to qualify for the degree. Students whose GPAs fall below 3.0 or who do not make satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree may be dismissed by the faculty.
University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.
Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.
Program Opportunities
International Exchange Program. Financial Engineering students have the option of participating in a semester-long exchange program with our partner school University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Please contact the IMS coordinator to apply. Only a limited number of students may be accepted into the exchange program. Students will be required to pay tuition to CGU. All cost of living and travel expenses are the responsibility of the student. Students in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 and above) and have completed the Fall semester at CGU are eligible for the international exchange program.