Finance + CS vs. Finance + Math Minor & CS Minor
Hi All,
Currently a freshman at a large state school (non-target) in the northeast, looking for some help deciding what to study. My career goals as of now are definitely front office finance (IB specifically) out of college, and a masters later down the line - MFin from Princeton would be the dream.
My original plan was to double major in Finance and CS, but I've also always been interested by mathematical finance, so I figured I might add a Math minor in. The issue is, with the way my school's coursework is structured, double major in CS and Finance would probably not be possible with a minor, unless I got very lucky with some summer coursework and special requests. I was wondering if it would be better then, to take a finance major with minors in both CS and Math?
Finance is definitely my primary passion + important for IB, so I want to stick to that first and foremost. I know having CS or Math with that would look good for IB, but I'm having trouble deciding. I know Princeton MFin is also pretty quant heavy so that math would help (if I took just Finance + CS, my math courses would cap out at Linear Algebra; I've already done Calc I and II as a freshman, nothing past that would necessarily fit in my schedule).
Thanks for any advice!
Edit: Another possible option I’ve been looking into is Finance + Data Science double major; little more math-y, would take me up to multivariable calc
For the most part nobody cares about minors. I would double major CS + Finance
This is what I figured, since minors really only show up on a transcript. Depends on how hard someone like an admissions officer for the MFin wants to look at my profile. It’d have to be strong in many other ways for them to take that deep of a look anyways. Thanks for the advice
Im a bit biased when I say this- no one cares about your degree(s), networking is 100x more important.
I’d focus on developing soft skills(this is where I struggled)
Coming from a non-target I think networking is going to be even more important for me. Thanks for the advice
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider:
Finance + CS Double Major: This combination is strong for IB and offers flexibility for tech-related finance roles or even a pivot to tech if needed. However, it might limit your ability to take advanced math courses, which could be a disadvantage for quant-heavy programs like Princeton's MFin.
Finance Major with CS and Math Minors: This option allows you to focus on finance while still showcasing quantitative and technical skills. A math minor would let you take advanced courses like multivariable calculus and linear algebra, which are valuable for quant-heavy roles and graduate programs. The CS minor adds a technical edge, which is increasingly valued in finance.
Finance + Data Science Double Major: This is a compelling alternative if your school offers a robust data science program. It combines finance with a quantitative and analytical skill set, which is highly relevant for IB and quant finance. It also typically includes courses in statistics, programming, and data analysis, which could align well with your goals.
Recommendations:
Ultimately, the Finance major with CS and Math minors seems like the most balanced and strategic choice for your goals.
Sources: Majoring in Wall Street?, Should I change my major from finance to math if I love both subjects? Why or why not?, Dual major in Finance and Computer Science?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/dilemma-quantitative-finance-vs-finance?customgpt=1, Deciding on quantitive majors/career path?
Nobody cares
Harsh but I suppose you’re right
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