MS in Mathematical Finance
Mathematical Finance students take 16 credits in the Fall Semester and 16 credits in the Spring Semester of their first year. They participate in a required internship in the summer between the first and second years, and take 16 credits in the fall of their second year.
All incoming students are required to attend the Mathematical Finance Preparation Week (MF 601). Students will be automatically registered for this session, which carries a fee of $150.
MS in Mathematical Finance Curriculum—48 cr*
| Fall (16 cr) | Spring (16 cr) | Summer (0 cr) | Fall (16 cr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MF 702 Fundamentals of Finance | MF 703 C++ Programming for Mathematical Finance | Approved Internship (required) | MF 730 Portfolio Theory |
| MF 769 Optimization Methods for Finance and Economics | MF 728 Fixed Income Securities |
MF 731 Corporate Risk Management |
|
| MF 792 Stochastic Methods of Mathematical Finance I | MF 793 Statistical Methods of Mathematical Finance | MF 772 Credit Risk |
|
| MF 795 Stochastic Methods of Mathematical Finance II | MF 794 Stochastic Optimal Control and Investment | MF 796 Computational Methods of Mathematical Finance |
*48 credits is the minimum required for single degree completion. The flat, per-semester tuition for full-time students encompasses 12–18 credits per semester. The curriculum and courses are subject to change as recommended by faculty, deans, and administrators of SMG.
Upon successful completion of program requirements, Mathematical Finance students are anticipated to graduate in January. All students who graduate in January are invited to attend the School of Management Commencement ceremony in May.
Optional Electives
In some semesters, the Mathematical Finance program offers 1- or 2-credit optional electives. These electives are offered in addition to the required curriculum. Grades earned in optional electives count toward the Mathematical Finance degree and are included when calculating the student’s cumulative GPA.
Credits & Course Sequencing
All Mathematical Finance courses are taken for 4 credits. The MS in Mathematical Finance program is a lock-step sequenced program. Any student seeking to deviate from the sequence or requirements of the curriculum must meet with their academic advisor and have the written support of the Faculty Director.
Academic Standards
Academic Performance Review
The Graduate Programs Office monitors students’ academic performances at the end of the Fall and Spring Semesters. A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.70 (on a 4.0 scale) to be in good academic standing (i.e., to graduate). Coursework taken outside the Boston University School of Management that does not count toward the MS in Mathematical Finance will not be calculated into the student’s GPA.
The Mathematical Finance Faculty Program Development Committee (PDC) has final responsibility for decisions regarding students with poor academic performance. The committee determines whether students will be permitted to stay in the program, and if so, what specific steps must be taken to regain good academic standing. Students with a GPA below 2.70 after the fall and spring terms may be referred to the PDC for review.
After 16 credits attempted, Mathematical Finance students with a GPA less than 2.30 will be withdrawn from the program. Students with a GPA between 2.30 and 2.69 after 16 credits may be dropped from the program or receive a written warning with recommendations for improvement.
After 32 credits attempted, students with a GPA less than 2.30 will be automatically withdrawn from the program. Mathematical Finance students are not permitted to take additional credits beyond the semester in which they have completed their degree requirements to improve their GPA.
Please be aware that your GPA can also affect your eligibility for continuing financial aid, including scholarships and loans. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (at least a 2.70 GPA) in order to be eligible for continued Federal Stafford Loan funding.
Degree Completion
To qualify for the MS in Mathematical Finance, students must:
- Complete all required courses for a total of 48 credits. At least 48 credits must be taken at the Boston University School of Management. Note that 1-credit Curricular Practical Training (CPT) courses for international students cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements. PDP (physical education) courses also cannot be used to satisfy degree requirements.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.70.
- Have no “I” grades or no “MG” grades.
