Columbia MS Financial Economics vs. CMU MS Computational Finance
Hi all,
I am now admitted into both programs and I am facing a dilemma which to choose. My career goal to do quant research in buy side after graduation.
Columbia MSFE ( Financial Economics) is under CBS so it obviously has amazing faculty. Considering the fact that it's a small program, I think everyone would get great resouces. But the drawback is that the curriculum is too theoretical and doesn't have as much training on quanitative skills as CMU.
CMU MSCF, however, has a great curriculum that is very useful for career as a quant and without doubt have great placement records.
I hope someone can give me some advice or more insight into the program.
Columbia FEco is not the ideal program to for quant research. You would be fighting it out with MFE, MSOR and MathFin guys for similar job opportunities. (with MFE being the heavyweight)
CMU MSCF on the other hand is very reputed. The curriculum, although practical in nature will just give you bits and pieces of different topics. Since this is the only 2nd option, I would vote for it.
No program can guarantee you a buy-side quant position (atleast on the masters level because PhD in a quant subject is generally viewed as ideal)
Actually, I am also admitted to Columbia MFE. So you think this would be the best choice?
So you have Financial Economics, Financial Engineering and Computational Finance?
If so then also my answer would be the same. I would prioritize them as MSCF > MFE > FinEco. Even if you plan to get a PhD in the foreseeable future, the MSCF will give you the taste of a large set of subjects so you'll know what aspect of quant finance you wish to research on.
Definitely a troll. Someone as qualified as you and who knows exactly what they want would know which to choose, because CBS's program is like a PhD lite, CMU's program is very different different because it's geared towards "execution".
I honestly think this is a very hard decision. It sounds like you want to do practical research and transition into the professional setting. If that is indeed the case, then perhaps the program at Carnegie Mellon would be better for you. If you want to eventually do a PhD then I think Columbia is the better choice. (Just my opinion)
Carnegie Mellon does have a very reputable program; I am sure you know the placement statistics. Also consider location and networking potential. Columbia could be better for networking if you decide, for whatever reason, that you no longer want a quant role. In addition, Columbia has a beautiful urban campus with many other clubs and organizations you could take advantage of all while exploring NYC.
haha everyone's admitted here
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