Quantitative Finance, M.S.

Admission Requirements

Applicants with a background in engineering, mathematics, statistics, economics and other related quantitative fields are ideal candidates.  The program requires a minimum GMAT score of 600 (or GRE equivalent) with at least a 70^th percentile score on the quantitative section.  In addition, applicants must have at least eight hours of calculus, a basic statistics course, macro and micro economics, and financial and managerial accounting.  These prerequisites are satisfied with most core business curriculum at accredited business schools with the exception of calculus.  Students applying to the program who do not have the prerequisites can take them at TU or peer institutions.

Learning Objectives

Students completing the Master of Science in Quantitative Finance will be able to:

• develop and use analytical techniques in asset pricing,
• apply statistical methods to financial modeling and risk management, and
• effectively communicate the process and results of financial decisions to financial professionals and to a broader audience of business professionals.

The program is designed for students who desire an opportunity for in-depth study of the sophisticated analytical techniques and market transactions that drive financial innovation. The program is designed for students with strong quantitative backgrounds, typically with undergraduate degrees in mathematics, statistics, the physical sciences, and engineering.

Foundation Courses

Completion of the following foundation courses or their equivalents is required prior to enrollment in graduate programs in finance in The Collins College of Business.

• Calculus (8 hours) 
• Principles of Macroeconomics (3 hours)
• Principles of Microeconomics (3 hours)
• Statistics (3 hours)
• Financial Accounting (3 hours)
• Managerial Accounting (3 hours)

To determine if a student will need to take any foundation courses, a transcript evaluation is conducted at the time of application to see if a student has successfully completed courses in accounting, managerial economics, statistical analysis, and basic calculus. Normally, foundation courses must be completed before enrollment in required courses or electives.

Foundation Waiver Policy

Normally, admitted students requiring foundation courses will enroll in those courses at The University of Tulsa. However, any of the following may qualify a student for a foundation course waiver:

• Completion, with a grade of B or higher, of a course or courses covering comparable material within the past six years from an AACSB accredited business program or as part of a four-year bachelor’s degree in business administration.
• Additional coursework, with a grade of B or higher, in the subject area, beyond the principles or introductory courses covering the comparable material.
• Extensive career experience using the subject matter that builds on prior coursework in the subject area.
• A successful score on the proficiency exam for the subject.

Foundation course requirements may be satisfied in different ways:

• Traditional classroom courses,
• Online courses, or
• Passing a proficiency exam after preparation with non-credit short courses or self-study following TU-prepared material.

Satisfactory Progress

Candidates for the degree are expected to complete the program in a timely manner. All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years from the date of enrollment in the program. Students who do not make satisfactory progress may be dismissed from the program.

Curriculum Requirements (36 hours)

All candidates for the degree must complete the foundation courses and 36 semester hours of advanced study. A thesis is not required, but is an option for the degree. A minimum of 27 credit hours must be completed in advanced (7000-level) courses reserved exclusively for graduate students.