Graduate Degree - Having trouble deciding

I'm having trouble deciding between the following degrees: MFE, MBA and a CFA. I realize that's a broad range. The MFE is most appealing to me but I'm not sure if I would need to take more math - I have a B.A. in physics but all the math (diff eq, linear, multi, etc.) was crammed into one course. Would this be a problem? My other question regarding the MFE is how are the job opportunities? Is there a lot of room to move up the ladder or are you stuck in one position?

The MBA is less appealing because it's a less challenging degree and more about networking. I'm not very interested in being CEO of a company (MD of a financial firm is much more appealing).

The CFA is nice because I can pursue on my own and with minimal expenses compared to school. I could also pursue this in conjunction with one of the others pretty easily.

I'm most comfortable working with math and computers (hence MFE) but I have enough social skills to not be limited to a desk so I don't want to be stuck with a degree that pigeonholes me to such a position. Any advice or guidance? Thanks in advance.

12 Comments
 

I'm very impressed at your school's ability somehow fit diff eq, linear alg and multi var. calc into one course. Why don't you email the admission counselors at some of these MFE programs that you are looking at. They would be in a better position to judge.

 

I know a good part of each of those math courses was missed; it was simply a crash course so that we would have the math for the rest of physics without needing to take 4+ math courses.

 

Another question - is Rutgers MSMF program well-regarded? My other option is Princeton, which I know is good but they are very selective so I'm not counting on being accepted.

 

I guess I'm comparing the CFA certification to the legit degrees because it is a resume booster with a lot of respect (from my understanding). I'd also get a good amount of knowledge that I don't have from preparing for the exams, knowledge that is a lot deeper than I'd get with an MBA.

 

I have been working part-time as a business analyst, to get some job experience, while competing as a professional athlete. It isn't finance but I hope it shows some initiative; that was the only somewhat relevant position near where I need to be to train.

 

I have one more question that I just thought of - I did not do well in that math course despite; it was during my sophomore slump (and boy what a slump). I did well in the courses that used that math courses that had more difficult math (general relativity) but I'm not sure if that's enough to overcome that one subpar class, especially when it accounts for all of the math pre-reqs. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

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