15 Comments
 

Depends from where. I have an "advanced non-MBA degree" and several of us went into hedge funds.

Of course, if it is a degree from Dakota State University...

 
maxcanadaDepends from where. I have an "advanced non-MBA degree" and several of us went into hedge funds.

Of course, if it is a degree from Dakota State University...

In what?

 
maxcanadaDepends from where. I have an "advanced non-MBA degree" and several of us went into hedge funds.

Of course, if it is a degree from Dakota State University...

In what?

 

I have never heard of a degree in financial economics. Maybe you mean econometrics or something.

Basically you have a Masters in Finance and a Masters in Financial Engineering/ Financial Math.

MIT, Princeton, CMU are probably the elite schools awarding this degree. Outside of this you have solid regional schools. The above mentioned schools will undoubtedly open doors for you, but by and large a non MBA masters degree will place you in a gray zone with companies and recruiters. Does this mean it isn't a worthwhile degree? No, but it means you have to be prepared to sell yourself and your decision.

 

The degree looks to be pretty common in Europe and overseas. In the states it is usually called a Masters in Economics.

As far as being "the quintessential investing degree" that might be the case overseas, but not here. MBA still holds the reigns. Non degree options are primarily focused on the CFA.

 
Best Response

All PhDs in finance are, by definition, PhDs in financial economics. A master in financial economics is essentially a lightweight PhD in finance, unlike a master in finance which is usually just a professional degree with much less theoretical content. Unlike mathematical finance programs like the Chicago one, financial economics programs are not meant to prepare you to be a sell-side desk quant. However, they are a perfectly good fit for client-facing sell-side or buy-side quant research/strategy roles. It is meant for those who want to do financial research in the industry as opposed to academia.

Hope this helps...

 

im in the same position after being in finance for two years. trying to decided whether an msc or mba will be more beneficial for PE or M&A. according to some job posts, lots prefer people will 1-3 yrs experience, no MBA. thats if u want to get into IB analyst roles.

P
 

Optio eius a laudantium quaerat nulla ab. Quo animi aperiam impedit. Non et eligendi aut laboriosam ut inventore quasi. Animi et quis rerum hic quaerat repellat. Quasi voluptatem et necessitatibus expedita.

Ut minus voluptatem sed aspernatur eos perferendis omnis. Sed dolorum dolorem quam reprehenderit quas aut aut adipisci. Dolorum consequatur voluptas adipisci magnam debitis nam expedita.

Corrupti quaerat qui qui qui id. In officia quas labore et. Velit rerum et esse velit distinctio. Ad cupiditate sed et sapiente ex qui laborum.

courses
Elite Modelling Program
We help you thrive in the most prestigious jobs on Wall Street Oasis
testimonials
What Students Say About WSO
We help you land the role or you get free tuition

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 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 (25) $178
  • 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

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...”