What's the Best Double Major for a Quant?

Which of these three double majors would be the best for a career in quant finance? I'll be starting college next year and I'd really like some opinions. Also, I plan to do a masters in financial engineering if that matters.

Finance and Computer Science Finance and Math (with a focus on Operations Research) Computer Science and Math (with a focus on Operations Research)

9 Comments
 

I would think that you definitely need a solid grounding in mathematics, even if fin engineering programs don't technically require more than multivariable calculus, prob and stats, and differential equations.

So, either finance and math or comp sci and math, in my opinion.

 

I couldn't tell apart a linear equation from a quadratic one, but even I can tell you that it is Comp Sci + Maths. Why ask a question that has an obvious answer?

 

math+comp sci, stat+comp sci, physics+comp sci

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I would think that you definitely need a solid grounding in mathematics, even if fin engineering programs don't technically require more than multivariable calculus, prob and stats, and differential equations.

So, either finance and math or comp sci and math, in my opinion.

From other posts here, it seems like its more important to know math than finance. Do you really need to study finance or econ to become a quant at a BB?

 
FutureQuant
I would think that you definitely need a solid grounding in mathematics, even if fin engineering programs don't technically require more than multivariable calculus, prob and stats, and differential equations.

So, either finance and math or comp sci and math, in my opinion.

From other posts here, it seems like its more important to know math than finance. Do you really need to study finance or econ to become a quant at a BB?

Basic finance can be taught to a smart person in a matter of weeks. Advanced computer science or mathematics cannot.

 
Best Response
@holla_back, what do you mean by "basic finance"? I was told that finance major are supposed to learn about derivatives, securities, and asset pricing theory. It is really possible to learn these topics in just a few weeks? If so, what's the point of a finance degree (either undergrad or grad)?

"learn about"? I could teach you "about" calculus in a 1 hour lecture about the difference between analysis vs. algebra and the idea of a mathematics for continuous-value problems. Or I (or rather someone else!) could teach you about Calculus by having you study a year and write proofs for a PhD-level Real Analysis course.

If we're talking about a undergrad business class on derivative securities- we can assume its going to be something pretty basic. Look at the syllabus. Does it require a Calculus I and intro prob/stat? Or does it require real analysis, probability theory, stochastic processes.

 

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