B.S. in CS and Math, Good Enough for Top MFE Programs?

[Black Market Trader]

I'm an undergrad at Carnegie Mellon who has to settle on his major soon. My current goal is software engineering, but I might go for an MFE later on in my career. I'm planning to get a BS in Math and Statistics along with a BS in Computer Science. All other factors aside, will this combination be good for top MFE programs? Will being in software pre-MFE be helpful or hurtful for my app?

 

[mastertrader]

It's a very good combination, but you need to keep your GPA high as well. Working in software shouldn't hurt and they'll look at your application very favorably if you work for a top firm like Apple or Google. You don't need to be a finance major, but take a couple of classes in economics and finance to show your interest in the subject. Some top programs want to see that you've either taken the CFA or at least a couple of courses.

 

[SadKillarrious]

I would think getting a dual degree from CMU would definitely put you in the right direction. However, if this takes you 5 years to complete with doing summer school, I would probably just get 1 degree and focus on networking and doing internships during the summers. If it is possible to do 1 degree and a minor in another I would do that. Like mastertrader said, you don't want your gpa to suffer.

 

[Black Market Trader]

I can finish this degree combination in 3 years with 5 classes a semester (and once semester of 4 courses). Thus, I'll have the space to add on some extra finance and econ courses. I'm planning to do Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, and two courses in financial mathematics.

 

[SadKillarrious]

From what I understand, CMU has a computational finance major. Why are you avoiding this?

 

[Black Market Trader]

Because comp fi doesn't teach you CS. Comp Fi + CS is impossible to do in four years, and Comp FI + CS Minor won't be enough to get me a software job.

 

[SadKillarrious]

I understand. I thought your top goal was to attend an MFE program.

 

[Black Market Trader]

Well, my goal is to land a software engineering job at a top company out of college. MFE is just an option that I'd like to have after spending 2-3 years as a developer.