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Mathematics of Finance and Risk Management

Program in Mathematics of Finance and Risk Management

The program in Mathematics of Finance and Risk Management (or Mathematics of Finance for short) is designed to provide a broad education in the quantitative aspects of risk management and finance. Today's financial instruments require sophisticated mathematical techniques for their valuation. These techniques come from the fields of probability, statistics and differential equations.

Mathematics of Finance & Risk Management Subplan Checklist

I. Prerequisites

Prerequisite to concentration in Mathematics of Finance is one of the pair of courses 215 & 217, 285 & 217, or 295 & 296. In addition, each student must complete two introductory courses in Economics (Econ 101 and 102), and acquire a working knowledge of a high-level computer language (e.g. Fortran, C or C++) at a level equivalent to completion of EECS 183.

The concentration program must include at least ten courses: 4 basic courses (II.), 4 special Mathematics of Finance courses (III.), and 2 related courses (IV.) as described below.

II. Basic Courses

Basic courses consist of one from each of the following groups completed with a grade of at least C-:

  • Differential Equations: Math 286 or 316
  • Probability: Math 525
  • Statistics: Stats 426
  • Analysis: Math 351, or 451

More advanced students, such as those who have completed Math 396, may substitute higher level courses with the approval of a major advisor.

III. Special Courses 

The special Mathematics of Finance courses must include Math 423, 474, 472, and 526.  Careful planning is essential. 

IV. Related Courses

To complete the major program each student should elect two additional intermediate or advanced courses related to Financial Mathematics. Some, but not all, of the courses numbered 300 and above offered by Accounting, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Industrial and Operations Engineering, and Statistics are appropriate here. Some specific approved courses are:

422 Risk Mgmt & Insurance         FIN 408 &
 (1.5 Credits Each)
462 Mathematical Models             FIN 409
 Capital Markets AND Fixed Inc Sec
623 Computational Finance         IOE 310
 Intro Optim Methods
ECON 401    Inter Micro Theory                   IOE 452  Corporate Finance
ECON 402 Inter Macro         FIN 302         Financial Decisions
ECON 409 Game Theory           FIN 317   Corp Financing Decisions
ECON 452 Intro to Econometrics    
       
 
  • Some Statistics courses numbered above 400
  • All Accounting courses 300 and above, except 471

Other courses may sometimes be appropriate and in all cases approval of the advisor in Financial Mathematics is required.