SE undergrad, which masters?

[Matt Ward]

I am nearly done with my software engineering undergrad, and my goal is to end up somewhere in finance (but not simply as a programmer). I have been working my way through Hull's "Options, futures, and other derivatives" and plan to eventually get a MFE degree. I will start applying to masters programs in a few months, and am not sure which route to take.

I plan to get a masters in either computer science or math first, then re-evaluate my options. Either work for a few years or dive straight into a MFE program from there.

My concern is if I go for a CS Masters, will I will have an adequate math and stats background?Outside of becoming a strong programmer, I am not sure I see the benefits of a CS masters. That is not to say I do not want one, I am just not sure how beneficial it will be towards a MFE program.

So, if I would be content with either degree, I am I right in thinking a math program would not only better prepare me, but also help me get accepted into a MFE program?

 

[Lyosha]

I plan to get a masters in either computer science or math first, then re-evaluate my options.

Why? Just go for MFE. Getting a masters in math won't change your odds of success. Just delay you by two years. CS Masters is not useful after u get undergrad as a quant...

My concern is if I go for a CS Masters, will I will have an adequate math and stats background?

My concern entering an MFE as well. Needless to say last time I took calculus was in high school some 8 years prior. You will have to work harder. And don't expect to dominate the Sto Cal tests. But see above about going for what you really want.

That is not to say I do not want one, I am just not sure how beneficial it will be towards a MFE program.

After CS Undergrad - not beneficial at all. Sorry...

 

[Matt Ward]

During my first few years I was less, lets say, motivated than I have been more recently. So, my gpa does not adequately portray me. I'm figuring if I get a masters in math, I will have a stronger background as well as it will give me the chance to apply to MFE programs with a strong gpa.

 

[Lyosha]

What is your GPA? Where are you an undergrad? Are you significant in any other way?

Instead of doing a useless Masters, perhaps consider going to work in some sort of relevant field? I would imagine MFE programs would look more favorably on you if you had two years of work at IBM rather than two years at a third rate Mathematics Masters program.

 

[Matt Ward]

My gpa is only a 2.8 from Cal Poly SLO. That is actually above average for an engineering gpa at my school, but that doesn't change the fact that it is bad.

I am not significant in any way... I mean to say I am good at what I do, software engineering. Microsoft is flying me out to Redmond for a product manager position interview, and my chances seem good. But that isn't relevant to FE and so in the end, irrelevant work experience.

My hope was that in the next 3 years (finished bachelors and masters), I would have very good grades and try to find an impressive thesis related to FE.

Although CP SLO is supposed to be one of the best state schools for engineering on the west coast, it is still second rate.

I suppose my real question should have just been, is there still a path from here which can lead me into a strong MFE program?

 

[Lyosha]

IMO take the job.

There are many paths in this world. Your real question is one of probability.

Do the Math Masters part time if you want to do one.

 

[Matt Ward]

That is the type of response I was afraid of.

If you would humor me. Say I get a 3.8 gGPA while getting a masters in math from a state school like poly. That paired with a 790 quant score, would I be able to get into a quality MFE program?

 

[pingu]

That is the type of response I was afraid of.

If you would humor me. Say I get a 3.8 gGPA while getting a masters in math from a state school like poly. That paired with a 790 quant score, would I be able to get into a quality MFE program?

why are you so fixated with getting an MFE? the illusion of big money?

 

[Matt Ward]

Not at all, software engineers make more than enough for me. It is the material that I find interesting. Ever since we discussed HFT systems in an algorithms class, I have enjoyed studying the material on my own.

 

[bigbadwolf]

My gpa is only a 2.8 from Cal Poly SLO. That is actually above average for an engineering gpa at my school, but that doesn't change the fact that it is bad.

...

I suppose my real question should have just been, is there still a path from here which can lead me into a strong MFE program?

Probably not one that leads through high grades. Some people have a knack for getting high grades (often without really understanding the material properly); others don't (despite having genuine insight into the subject matter). If you're in the latter category, you need to rethink your approach rather than hope for high grades to be your passport.

If you're going for a master's with the intent of going on to study FE, then the math will serve you better than CS (I presume you've already taken and mastered the usual courses in C++, functional programming, algorithms, and so on). But the math you want to do intelligently. You want to study analysis, for example, in a critical and probing manner that goes well past the usual routine and superficial fashion it's treated in senior and grad courses. You want to come to stochastic calculus with a level of insight and preparation few others will be able to match. This is probably what you should aim for. As Krishnamurthi said in his 1929 talk, truth is a pathless land. You will have to design your own very personal path into this land rather than trying to compete with umpteen others on grades alone.

 

[Matt Ward]

Recently I have been averaging a 3.7 gpa, my previous issues were due to a lack of motivation. But you are right bigbadwolf, that is the the approach I should take to future math classes; and probably my approach getting accepted as well. Thanks for your response.

So, I suppose my final question is: Do these programs look at your undergraduate work as well as your grad studies? Is getting a masters a clean slate or just an opportunity to prove there has been a change?

 

[bigbadwolf]

Recently I have been averaging a 3.7 gpa, my previous issues were due to a lack of motivation. But you are right bigbadwolf, that is the the approach I should take to future math classes; and probably my approach getting accepted as well. Thanks for your response.

Then make that clear and explicit when you apply. The grades play a part because the admissions committee has little else to go on and thus relies on the GPA to judge whether a student will be successful in getting through the program. If there are mitigating circumstances, point them out and make them all the more credible by showing your high grades when you did take courses seriously.

Meanwhile you can start learning real analysis on your own.