About U-M Quant
What Makes the U-M Quant Program Different?
The Master of Science in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management is an interdisciplinary graduate program jointly overseen by the University of Michigan’s Department of Mathematics and Department of Statistics, each of which is among the top-ranked programs in its field.
The program focuses intensely on advanced mathematical and statistical methods. Graduates have sophisticated quantitative skills that enable them to apply their knowledge to the solution of real world financial problems as quantitative analysts, financial engineers, risk managers, traders, developers, and other roles in the financial industry.
As evidence of our commitment to excellence, we proudly hold affiliation with the International Association of Quantitative Finance (IAQF) since 2018. Moreover, our consistent inclusion on the Fancy Quant Honorable Mentions list in 2022, 2023, and 2024, along with the prestigious Gold Badge of Approval from Fancy Quant, highlights the distinguished status of our program in the field.
“What appealed to me most about the Quant program was the career-oriented academic environment, which gives you both knowledge in statistical data driven trading and traditional stochastic differential equation knowledge for pricing and optimization. The program director, Professor Erhan Bayraktar, is one of the most prestigious researchers in quantitative finance, so it was an amazing opportunity to have him as the instructor in one of our first courses in the program. Quant Program staff are also committed to helping students get interviews and gain skills to succeed in them.”
– Zeyu Zhang, M.S. ’18, Ph.D. Student at Carnegie Mellon University
Advanced Coursework
Our curriculum provides students with a robust foundation in mathematical and statistical methods. This is achieved through completion of four intensive core course sequences led by esteemed faculty from our Mathematics and Statistics departments. Elective courses in economics, finance, engineering, mathematics, and statistics enable students to customize their education to align with their career goals and interests, fostering collaboration with peers across the university. Typically completed between three to four semesters, students earn a minimum total of 36 credits.
Preparation for a PhD Program
Due to the rigorous and highly theoretical nature of our curriculum, our students are well-prepared to pursue doctoral programs at prestigious institutions worldwide. Currently, 16% of our graduates have enrolled in PhD programs at esteemed universities such as University of Oxford, Carnegie Mellon University, Boston University, and the University of Sydney.
Comprehensive Career Resources
The U-M Quant program is designed to produce superior mathematicians to work in the financial industry. In addition to completing our demanding coursework, Quant students are expected to gain hands-on industry experience by completing a summer internship between the second and third semesters. Students have access to a wealth of career preparation resources by the University of Michigan Career Center and the Quant Career Services Manager, including individual consultations, workshops on resume preparation, employer information sessions, career fairs, and on-campus interviewing.
An Elite Community at a Global University
Quant students are members of a close-knit cohort of 30 students while still reaping the benefits of attending one of the largest, most prestigious and iconic public research universities in the country. Our inclusive, talented, and collaborative student community provides Quant students with a supportive and stimulating environment while they are here and translates into lifelong alumni connections after graduation. The University of Michigan alumni network spans the globe and offers students a wealth of benefits and opportunities during their enrollment and beyond.
Virtual Information Session
Join our virtual information session on the University of Michigan’s Master of Science in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management (Quant) program! Learn more about our comprehensive curriculum, career prospects for Quant graduates, and strategies to strengthen your application. Q&A session with the Quant Program Manager to follow. We look forward to seeing you there!
📅 Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Eastern Time)
📍 Platform: Zoom
We look forward to seeing you there! For any inquiries, contact us at quantfinms@umich.edu.