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Curriculum for MS with Concentration in Finance

The Master of Science in Mathematics with a Concentration in Finance requires a total of 36-38 credit hours including a master's thesis. The curriculum, designed jointly by the mathematics and finance departments, is intended to provide specialized masters-level training for individuals seeking employment in today's sophisticated financial markets requiring substantial knowledge of graduate level mathematics.

Prerequisites

The following courses or equivalents are recommended prerequisites for admission to the program. An applicant must have taken most of these courses or equivalents before being admitted to the program.

Math 2085
Linear Algebra.
Math 2065
Ordinary Differential Equations.
Math 4340
Partial Differential Equations.
Math 4055
Probability.
Math 4031 and Math 4032
Advanced Calculus I and II.
Computer Literacy
knowledge of a computer programming language such as C.

Course-work (with credit hours):

First Year

Fall

Math 7380
Introduction to Stochastic Processes (3).
Math 7311
Real Analysis I (3).
Fin 7826
Investment Analysis and Portfolio Theory (3).
Math 7999
Communicating Mathematics (required for TA's) (1).

Spring

Math 4024
Mathematical Models (3).
Math 4056 or MATH 4050
Statistics or Interest Theory (3).
Fin 7633
Financial Markets (3).
Math 7999
Communicating Mathematics (required for TA's) (1).

Second Year

Fall

Math 7390
Stochastic Analysis: Theory & Applications (3).
Fin 4850
Speculative Financial Markets (3).
Math 8000-Thesis Research (3).

Spring

Math 4066 or Math 7390
Numerical Analysis II or Partial Differential Equations (3).
Fin 7585
Advanced Topics in Finance (3).
Math 8000
Thesis Research (3). 

Each student will have a master's committee consisting of two members of the graduate faculty of the mathematics department, one of them being the thesis advisor, plus one member of the graduate faculty of the finance department. The mathematics department will oversee the progress and provide advising services to students in the program. Approval of the mathematics department is required for any course substitutions. Candidates for the degree need to pass an oral final examination consisting primarily of a master's thesis defense before the completion of studies.

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