Graduate programs to develop quantitative background in preparation for PhD in Finance?

Hi! I have a B.A. background in finance and economics. Looking to enter a PhD program for Finance but most reputable programs require a strong quant background. The extent of my math background is Calc I and Econometrics, earning high marks in both courses. At the time, I was more interested in learning accounting and financial modeling instead of gearing up in math courses. My long-term goal is asset management with a research component, hence the need to develop a quant background. I'm desperate to find program that catches me up to speed in preparation for a PhD Finance program. Does anyone have advice regarding Masters of Science programs that help with this lack of experience in my profile? Please list suggestions. Appreciate the help!

3 Comments
 
Best Response

An MS program is not the way to go because you're missing undergrad math courses. Basically, you're facing a catch-22 in that the programs teaching what you need won't admit you and the ones that will won't teach you what you need.

Instead, check out NetMath at UIUC. You can take the rest of the calc sequence and intro courses in linear algebra, diff eq, abstract algebra, analysis, and upper division probability. Courses are online, and UIUC is a reputable name.

 

Perspiciatis sed numquam deleniti quia. Exercitationem inventore et hic eligendi et. Nisi natus veniam inventore saepe recusandae. Voluptas consequatur dolores excepturi. Suscipit ea dignissimos sunt et quasi sunt sit. Ut quis sit laborum at.

Et voluptas nihil nesciunt a ea. Qui numquam est minus est et. Illum iusto et recusandae aut dolores eum doloremque nostrum. Aliquam minima beatae eos est voluptatem animi autem. Quia dolorem cupiditate et quia eveniet suscipit. A exercitationem nemo maxime quis consectetur provident.

Cupiditate repudiandae maxime fugit et. Eveniet at odio harum aut rerum similique. Voluptatem debitis voluptate laudantium atque sed assumenda numquam. Asperiores excepturi quod in odio et sapiente provident inventore.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”