Best Early-Career Path Toward Quant Research for a Finance BBA Undergrad?

[Marty]

Hi everyone,

I’m early in my career and trying to plan a realistic, strategic path toward a future in quant research, macro research, or quant strategy (not quant trading or HFT). I have a BBA in Finance, BA in Economics, and a certificate in Applied Statistical Modeling. I currently work as a data analyst in commodities trading (1 YOE), mainly focused on automating data pipelines, database amangement, building dashboards, and ETL using Python/SQL.

My biggest limitation right now is my math/CS foundation — I’ve only completed up to Calc II and have no formal CS background. Over the next 1–2 years, I plan to complete:

• Calc III, Linear Algebra, ODE
• Probability & Stats
• Numerical Analysis, Stochastic Calculus
• Data Structures & Algorithms, OOP, C++

I’m considering two main options:
Option 1: OMSA (Spring 2026) + Work Experience + Long-Term MFE Goal

Complete core prereqs over the next year, then start Georgia Tech’s OMSA while continuing to build experience in my current role or similar. After 3–4 years, plus savings, I’d be open to applying for a top full-time MFE program with a stronger profile and full quant prep (C++, stochastic, numerical, etc.). OMSA is flexible, affordable, and several courses align with core quant modeling skills:

• ISYE 6501 – Stats
• ISYE 669 – Optimization
• ISYE 6402 – Time Series
• ISYE 6644 – Simulation
• ISYE 6740 – Machine Learning
• CS 7643 – Deep Learning
• CS 7646 – Trading
• CSE 8803 / MGT 8833 – Text Analytics
  (Note: ISYE 6650 – Stochastic Processes isn’t currently offered in OMSA)
  Online Master of Science in Analytics - Curriculum
  ^ A track seems most aligned

This path would also let me build more YOE and apply for MFE later with a much stronger profile.

Option 2: UW CFRM Online (After 2 Years of Full Prereq Completion)
Same prereq plan, but extend it to fully complete ODE, Numerical Analysis, Stochastic Calc, and C++ over 18–24 months, then apply to UW CFRM's online part-time M.S.. This would get me into a more finance-specific program sooner, but requires a bigger upfront time and financial commitment (~$35–40K).

I know I’m very underqualified right now, but I’m committed to doing the work and building the foundation properly. I’d really appreciate thoughts on:

• Which of these two paths is more realistic and valuable for my end goals?
• Would OMSA + work + prereqs position me well for a top MFE in 3–4 years?
• Or is it smarter to just go all-in with CFRM once the full quant prep is done?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Why are you limiting yourself to the online options and CFRM? It sounds pretty expensive to me just to prep for MFE.
There are other options to address your missing requirements.

Baruch MFE Thread 'Feedback on plan for building profile for Baruch MFE Fall 2026?'

9/2/24

Hi everyone,

I posted here around a month ago, and have since put together a plan for the next year in order to bolster my application, as well as fill most of the quantitative holes from my undergrad degree. Any feedback/suggestions would be much appreciated!

A little background:
I graduated in 2021 with a BBA in Economics/Finance from Baruch College. My GPA was not good (~3.00), but I’ve since gained 3.5 years of experience in industry. My career so far has been in data engineering, software project management, and data science. I consider myself very proficient in Python, SQL...

• grxthy
• Replies: 13
• Forum: US Quant Programs

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