Advice on Using an Online Applied Math MS (Columbia CVN) to Break Into Quantitative Research

[elijahmorales]

I’m 21 and just graduated a year early from a top-100 U.S. university with a B.A. in Pure Mathematics and Psychology. Like a lot of people, I started college without a clear direction, but I was always drawn to math, not just because I was good at it, but because I genuinely believe it’s the most powerful tool we have for solving real-world problems. Over time, I became passionate about mathematical research and using math to model and understand complex systems with practical implications.

That interest really took off after I participated in an NSF REU in population dynamics and stochastic systems, where I co-authored a technical report and implemented simulations in Python and MATLAB. I loved the process of formulating a model, coding it, analyzing emergent behaviors, and iterating based on the math. It made me realize how much I enjoy applying math to difficult, often messy problems, especially when there's uncertainty involved. Since then, I’ve become deeply interested in quantitative finance, where those same skills are applied to markets, risk, pricing, and prediction.

Right now, I work full-time as a research analyst in a compliance/data-verification role (not super quant-heavy), but I’m actively looking for stronger, more technical jobs while continuing to grow. To stay on track toward my goals, I just submitted my application for Spring 2026 to the online M.S. in Applied Mathematics at Columbia (CVN). It’s a flexible, rigorous program that I plan to complete part-time while working full-time. My elective focus will be on quant finance-related areas like Monte Carlo methods, stochastic processes, and numerical analysis.

Importantly, I also plan to pursue an independent research project or thesis with a faculty advisor, ideally related to quantitative finance topics like stochastic volatility modeling, derivative pricing, or risk forecasting. I want to keep developing as a researcher, not just as a student, so I can eventually contribute to the field, not just work in it.

My goal is to become a quantitative researcher or analyst, ideally in finance, but I’m open to other technical roles that involve heavy math, modeling, and simulation. If the Applied Math MS isn’t enough to break in directly, I’m prepared to apply later to a top MFE program once I’ve gained more experience and saved up. I’m trying to be both ambitious and realistic.

So here’s where I could use some guidance:

• Does the Columbia Applied Math CVN path seem like a strong and credible route for someone with my background aiming for quant?
• What internships/entry-level roles or job titles should I look at now that could serve as solid stepping stones? (Especially roles that involve math, modeling, data, or research.)
• Are there projects, certs, skills, or strategies that could help bridge the gap between applied math and finance, especially coming from a non-target background?
• Any advice from people who’ve gone the non-traditional → quant path?

I’m motivated, capable, and committed—but I know this is a competitive field and I want to make smart decisions. Any feedback or input would be really appreciated.

 

[elijahmorales]

@Andy Nguyen I would love any feedback or thoughts if possible.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

You sound like a smart and ambitious young fellow, the kind that can make it in this industry. Those qualities alone are not enough, however. You need luck, the right network, persistence, and more.
That said, I don't know how much an online master degree from Columbia can help you break in. The brand name helps but not as much as you think. You can talk to students who do Columbia MFE to get some idea. If you get reimbursement from work to take this course while working, it's a good deal as you can get stronger mathematically.
I would suggest besides doing the CVN, you should strengthen you coding skills such as taking the C++ course. You can get reimbursed for it.
Doing side projects, network with fellow members here to study together.
Keep reaching out, reading, learning, and talking to people in the field.
Do leetcode, mock interviews, etc. Apply to some jobs to get interview practice.
Explore more career path such as quant-adjacent roles (risk, fintech, data, asset management, etc).
If you keep grinding, I think your time will come at some point.

 

[elijahmorales]

You sound like a smart and ambitious young fellow, the kind that can make it in this industry. Those qualities alone are not enough, however. You need luck, the right network, persistence, and more.
That said, I don't know how much an online master degree from Columbia can help you break in. The brand name helps but not as much as you think. You can talk to students who do Columbia MFE to get some idea. If you get reimbursement from work to take this course while working, it's a good deal as you can get stronger mathematically.
I would suggest besides doing the CVN, you should strengthen you coding skills such as taking the C++ course. You can get reimbursed for it.
Doing side projects, network with fellow members here to study together.
Keep reaching out, reading, learning, and talking to people in the field.
Do leetcode, mock interviews, etc. Apply to some jobs to get interview practice.
Explore more career path such as quant-adjacent roles (risk, fintech, data, asset management, etc).
If you keep grinding, I think your time will come at some point.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful response @Andy Nguyen! I really appreciate you taking the time. You're right that ambition alone isn’t enough in this field. It takes preparation, patience, the right experience, and some luck too. I’m trying to be as intentional and strategic as possible, which is why I’m really grateful for the advice.

To be honest, this Applied Math master’s is my first real attempt at breaking into quant. I’ve always believed that one of the viable (if less direct) routes into quant research (especially the more modeling- or research-heavy roles) is through advanced degrees in math, stats, or physics, not just MFE. So my plan is to use this program to build that foundation while gaining more work experience.

Yes, Columbia’s name holds weight, and that’s part of the appeal, but I chose the CVN Applied Math MS specifically because, from everything I've researched, it's both prestigious and academically rigorous, especially for an online applied mathematics program (or any online program in general). Just as important, though, is the flexibility. I graduated undergrad in three years because I wanted to start working and building financial independence earlier, and I’m working towards living with my girlfriend (we did long-distance for a while and agreed I wouldn’t relocate again so soon). So doing this master’s online while working full-time gives me the chance to make progress professionally and academically without sacrificing stability.

I’m not doing this passively either. I’m tailoring my electives to quant finance topics (e.g., stochastic processes, Monte Carlo methods, numerical analysis, time series) and I also plan to pursue a research project or thesis with a faculty advisor focused on quant finance, if possible. I want to keep growing as a researcher, not just as a student, so that I can bring something deeper to the table and because I truly do enjoy research and working on complex problems. In parallel, I’ll be building up my coding (looking at C++ and Python course), side projects, and technical job experience.

If all of that still doesn’t get me over the line into quant, then my second attempt will be to apply to a top 5–10 MFE program. I see that route as a more targeted pipeline (internships, mentorship, recruiting, etc.), but also a big financial/time commitment. I want to be sure I’ve tried the broader route first, especially because an MFE locks you into finance specifically, whereas applied math leaves doors open in other technical fields. Plus, I think having a math MS, especially one with quant finance-focused coursework and research, will make me a stronger, more competitive applicant to those top MFE programs if it comes to that.

At “worst,” I’d be around 25–26 by the time I’d finish a second masters degree, and I feel that’s still a strong position to be in career-wise.

So again, thank you! Your suggestions (C++ prep, mock interviews, alternative quant-adjacent roles, etc.) are super helpful. I’ll definitely take them to heart. I’m just doing my best to stay focused, work hard, and make smart decisions that give me multiple chances to break in.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

You have the right mindset, approach and a clear plan. It's more than I can say for many applicants who do not have realistic expectations for this career.
My son is a senior in high school right now and like many of his peers, he is set in doing a CS degree without knowing all the challenges facing them and the changing landscape with AI looming in the horizon. By the time he graduates, AI is probably better than he can ever be as a CS entry level graduate.
I have been steering into doing something that is core math such as stats with a CS minor. Programming skill is essential, for sure, but doing a CS may not be the best path given the number of kids having a CS degree and no jobs these days.