NYU Tandon MFE NYU Poly MFE

[Jay Velasco]

Hello,

I do not have the adequate background in mathematics to do real quant work. I am interested in the automated trading and implementation of algorithms - more of the developer side. Would going to their MFE program focusing on the TECHNOLOGY track benefit me overall? I like the financial world in general I would put my skills to other finance positions where I can use my tech skills. Their program does not require the general prereqs of Math all I need are my programming skills for that track. Any insight before I pursue a 50K degree would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Jay

 

[Jay YK Kim]

If that is the case, I personally feel that MSFE from NYU-Poly would not satisfy your tech-side desire.

 

[Jay Velasco]

Thanks for your opinion. Might I add I will have my MSci in Comp Sci when I do go, so I am not sure if its worth it at this point. They do have really interesting courses, which I think would benefit me. I minored in Eco and took Econometrics and have take statistically based classes evaluating risk using different add-ons for excel. Based upon their algorithm/programming and econometrics courses I think it would be a good fit for me. My BA program went into a broad view of calc, stats, and discrete math, but no where near the difficulty of calc I,II,III, linear algebra, or differential equations... I'm strictly programming with a keen interest in stats, but the cost of 50k is a rough burden to take on if I can't find a job. I have a year worth of exp through internships and I currently intern at a financial firm, I would just like to stay within this industry and move from web apps to more of a trading environment.

Jay

 

[Jay YK Kim]

MSFE in Poly doesn't feel so much technical even for the one whose background come from Business Administration without any heavy knowledge of mathematics and programming. It is very true that there was huge suffering from the start, but the program still doesn't seem to be focusing much on tech-side.

But here is the thing. The program is literally changing by each semester (partially due to merge with NYU). So there is risk. Have some careful thought if this risk is worth to take, for you.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Take a look at the reviews as well
https://www.quantnet.com/resources/nyu-poly-financial-engineering-program.17/reviews

 

[Jay Velasco]

Thanks Andy

 

[Xiao]

The compulsory maths course at poly is mainly about stochastic

 

[Jay Velasco]

Yes, I saw that was required. I was planning to tough it out like I did with some of my CS courses.

 

[Jay YK Kim]

The compulsory maths course at poly is mainly about stochastic

More precisely speaking, Quantitative Methods in Finance is about basics which you would want to know before studying stochastic, and yes that class is compulsory. However the class 'Stochastic Calculus and Option Pricing' itself is not compulsory.

But then again, curriculum at Poly is changing every semester.... -_-ㅋ

 

[NirmalD]

Hi Jay, you have said that the program at NYU Poly is changing every semester, could you elaborate this in more detail?

Thank You

 

[Jay YK Kim]

Examples include
1. some courses were opted out since last semester because those were assumed to be overlapping with others
2. couple of courses (including Stochastic Calculus) became 3 credit courses, they are no more 1.5 credit courses
3. new classes keep popping up every semester, usually with the name of 'Financial Engineering Topics' followed by each classes' specific topic name. This also means that there are new professors being involved in this program.

But mostly? It's becoming official NYU, we are getting closer to it. It is now NYU-Poly, but it will be Engineering Department of NYU.

 

[Tianyu Li]

Examples include
1. some courses were opted out since last semester because those were assumed to be overlapping with others
2. couple of courses (including Stochastic Calculus) became 3 credit courses, they are no more 1.5 credit courses
3. new classes keep popping up every semester, usually with the name of 'Financial Engineering Topics' followed by each classes' specific topic name. This also means that there are new professors being involved in this program.

But mostly? It's becoming official NYU, we are getting closer to it. It is now NYU-Poly, but it will be Engineering Department of NYU.

Looks like the program is becoming better and stronger every year. Good news.

 

[joshnyc]

I went to the Poly information session. they said all graduates entering now will get a nice shiny NYU degree. I've been accepted to this program. the allure of an NYU degree is nice, but don't all employers in this field know that NYU-Poly << NYU Courant MathFin?

I'm really struggling with the price tag given the level of competition from of other MFE graduates from more reputable schools in the area (not to mention the hoard of NYU-Poly graduates).

it's unfortunate that QuantNet isn't releasing their rankings until after everyone has made their decisions. Not that a simple ranking should make anyone's decision for them, but it would make a big difference to me if Poly makes a jump in the rankings. After all, the people making the rankings have a better idea of all the schools than I do.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

it's unfortunate that QuantNet isn't releasing their rankings until after everyone has made their decisions. Not that a simple ranking should make anyone's decision for them, but it would make a big difference to me if Poly makes a jump in the rankings. After all, the people making the rankings have a better idea of all the schools than I do.

Programs need to provide placement stats (at graduation and 3 months later) for the most recent graduating class and it's not possible to have that stats for some programs until Aug/Sept.
Our ranking is released every two years and there are lot of changes in between rankings so you should look at the reviews provided by the students in our Resources section in the meantime.

 

[joshnyc]

Programs need to provide placement stats (at graduation and 3 months later) for the most recent graduating class and it's not possible to have that stats for some programs until Aug/Sept.
Our ranking is released every two years and there are lot of changes in between rankings so you should look at the reviews provided by the students in our Resources section in the meantime.

I see. Thanks for explaining. Still unfortunate but obviously out of your control.

I have looked at the reviews before. I found them to be very helpful for making my decision. Thanks.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Are you able to pay a personal visit to each program? That would help make up your mind faster.

 

[joshnyc]

Are you able to pay a personal visit to each program? That would help make up your mind faster.

Poly has a number of events lined up for admitted students which will hopefully prove informative. For me, the decision is whether any of these lower tiered programs are worth it, and not as much about which one to choose. I don't know where I'd be without being able to lurk around this site the last year. Thanks for your advice and for all of your posts.

 

[Jay YK Kim]

I went to the Poly information session. they said all graduates entering now will get a nice shiny NYU degree. I've been accepted to this program. the allure of an NYU degree is nice, but don't all employers in this field know that NYU-Poly << NYU Courant MathFin?

I'm really struggling with the price tag given the level of competition from of other MFE graduates from more reputable schools in the area (not to mention the hoard of NYU-Poly graduates).

it's unfortunate that QuantNet isn't releasing their rankings until after everyone has made their decisions. Not that a simple ranking should make anyone's decision for them, but it would make a big difference to me if Poly makes a jump in the rankings. After all, the people making the rankings have a better idea of all the schools than I do.

You just said it. One ranking list shouldn't decide your choice. I believe that it's really about what you are willing to do and what you gain from MS program. It's not just about which university's name is on your degree.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

It all comes down to getting a job, and not just any job. One that would align with your career long term. But the problem with many so-called "lower tiered" programs is that they have very weak career support system so only highly motivated and proactive students can find jobs.
And those students can be successful in any program.

 

[Jay YK Kim]

If I must only consider career support system (I know this sounds absurd) MSFE at Poly is not lower tiered program since there is a well-structured career support system, which is NYU CareerNet. It's just simply awesome. I guess this NYU CareerNet is the biggest benefit of Poly merging with NYU.