Carnegie Mellon University - MS in Computational Finance

Carnegie Mellon University - MS in Computational Finance

Providing the skills you need to succeed in the financial services industry
Location
New York, NY 10005 | Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Application deadline
Round 1: Dec 1, 2024 | Round 2: Mar 2, 2025
30 Years of Success
The Carnegie Mellon University MSCF degree, the first of its kind founded in 1994, will give you everything you need to excel in quantitative finance. Our unrivaled industry reputation was built over the past 30 years by a network of more than 2,000 alumni, many of whom are top performers on Wall Street and beyond.

Employer-Driven Curriculum
MSCF is the only quantitative finance program that combines four separate colleges into a customized curriculum designed to meet the needs of top employers. MSCF students also benefit from a wide range of experiential learning opportunities to convert theory into practice and gain “real world” quant skills.
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Job Placement Support
The MSCF Career Office will be with you from day one to help you land your dream job. Our team will assist you with a wide range of 1:1 career-building activities and provide multiple opportunities to meet with employers. The newly expanded Quant-in-Residence (QIR) program will give you access to a team of industry professionals for invaluable insights, coaching and advice to help jumpstart your quant finance career.

Scholarships
Each year, 25% of incoming MSCF students receive fellowships. All admitted students are considered for an MSCF Fellowship.

We’re Here to Help
Pursuing a master’s degree is a significant commitment, one that demands not only a considerable amount of hard work but also substantial personal and financial sacrifices.
The decision can be overwhelming, with concerns about tuition funding, lost income, and achieving return-on-investment. Master’s candidates may also be worried about their qualifications, the level of competition, and whether or not they can succeed in the programs.
CMU_Admission_Team.webp

MSCF Admissions Team members
Ajay Bell, Emily Wertz & Mia DiIanni

The MSCF admissions team understands the anxiety that all of these considerations can bring and have guided hundreds of students in navigating this key life decision.

“The overall attention I received from the MSCF admissions team and the ease of communication were key factors in my decision. I felt comfortable asking any questions and their candid approach helped ease some doubts during my application process and offer evaluation.” - Lorena Rodríguez Pineda, MSCF Class of 2026


MSCF Resources
Curriculum Overview
Class Profile
Employment Statistics
Current Student Profiles
Alumni Career Report
Admissions Events
Apply to MSCF
2025 Ranking Data
Rank
3
Total Score
93
Peer Score
4.2
% Employed at Graduation
89%
% Employed at 3 months
99%
% Employed in the US
97%
Compensation
$165,025
Cohort Size
101 FT
Acceptance Rate
16.8%
Avg Undergrad GPA
3.85
Tuition
$100,685
Views
100,235
First release
Last update

Ratings

4.70 star(s) 53 reviews 5.00 star(s) Students Quality 5.00 star(s) Courses/Instructors 4.91 star(s) Career Services

Latest reviews

Headline
Amazing program that prepares you well for industry
Class of
2025
Reviewed by Verified Member
Overall, my personal experience with this program was fantastic.

Admission Process:
1. Admissions process was very simple and easy.
2. I applied in Round 2 and leveraged my certificates in the Baruch Pre-MFE program to supplement my lackluster grades from undergrad.
3. Admission teams valued these certificates which landed me acceptance into the program.

Courses:
1. Mathematics/Stochastic Calculus - 10/10. If you want to get into sell-side pricing of exotics using analytic methods, fourier transforms, monte carlo simulations, CMU will give you an amazing foundation to start from.

2. Statistics/Data Science - 10/10. The coursework puts a heavy emphasis in Python data science packages like seaborn, scikit-learn, statsmodels, etc, while teaching you methods like regularization, decision trees, SVMs and more. Regression is taught well enough but I think in practice, regression is most heavily used and thus some learning will be done on the job itself.

3. Programming - 7.5/10. While python is taught very well in the data science courses, the python coursework in the main programming classes is not the best. I would recommend studying leetcode a lot before joining as those skills are taught well in the classes. C++ is also covered utilizing smart pointers, templates, and inheritance.
(I have heard from younger students that the programming track is being overhauled, which is a great relief)

4. Finance/Econmics - 9/10. Teaches convex optimization, fixed income pricing, options pricing, and market microstructure. They are taught from a very practical perspective.

Other Aspects:
1. Speaker series - speakers from major fims like Citadel, Millenium, Point72, Optiver etc speak to students directly on some cutting edge topic or research.
2. Competitions - CMU students participate in a wide variety of competiions including Rotman International Trading Competition, Optiver Market Making Challenge, Quantbot Datathon, and Poker AI.
3. Internships - I landed a quant trading internship at a commodities market making firm which the career services helped me get. Career services tries its best but it is not a guarantee that everyone gets an internship that they are satisfied with.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
4.00 star(s)
Headline
Challenging, Supportive, and Career-Focused: MSCF Delivers
Class of
2026
Reviewed by Verified Member
When I was deciding on quant finance programs, I knew I wanted something rigorous — but also something that would actually prepare me for the realities of working in the industry. The MSCF program at Carnegie Mellon has delivered on both fronts.

What really makes this program stand out for me is the career services. They don’t just send out a few job postings and leave you on your own — the team is deeply invested in your success. From day one, they’re helping you fine-tune your resume, prepare for interviews, and navigate the recruiting process. They have real insights into what employers are looking for, and they’re constantly making connections for students. I’ve genuinely felt supported every step of the way.

Another thing I’ve loved is the sheer number of industry practitioners who come in to speak. There’s such a wide variety — people from hedge funds, trading firms, asset managers, you name it — and they give us a perspective you just don’t get from textbooks. It’s a huge value add, and it really helps tie the theory to what’s happening in the real world.

The program is challenging — I won't sugarcoat that. But I’ve grown so much, both technically and professionally. And it’s worth it, because MSCF has a strong reputation on Wall Street, and the placement results reflect that. Most of my classmates are going on to really exciting roles after graduation.

One of my favorite parts of MSCF is that we all take classes together. That shared experience really brings people closer — we’ve built strong friendships and a tight-knit network that I know I’ll carry with me long after the program is over.

If you're looking for a program that will challenge you, support you, and set you up for success in quant finance, I can honestly say MSCF has been the right choice for me.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
5.00 star(s)
Headline
A sufficiently rewarding challenge
Class of
2026
Reviewed by Verified Member
I joined the MSCF program after working in industry (non-quant) for 3 years. Even prior to applying, the program made me feel wanted with tons of opportunities to talk with admissions staff. This attention never stopped and the program clearly makes students know they're valued.

The curriculum is extremely challenging, I have never worked as hard as I have during this program. In my opinion, this is exactly what you want in a quant masters. If you're paying this premium, you better be getting something good from it, and I certainly have learned the material. The results for CMU speak for themselves, relative to the top 2 ranked programs CMU accepts students with less work experience and more rounded backgrounds (from what I have gathered). Sure, the top 2 programs have better placement stats but they're taking in more prepared students. This program will turn you from a non-quant to a quant, not just take arguably quant ready individuals and give them networking opportunities. CMU really does develop the students.

Street reputation is huge here too, I've had many opportunities and interviews solely from being a CMU student. Career services are great and very helpful. Can't complain.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
5.00 star(s)
Headline
MSCF: Relevant, Rigorous, Real-World Applicable
Class of
2026
Reviewed by Verified Member
I entered the MSCF program after 2 years of full time experience in an adjacent (but not directly related) financial field. I chose this program for its focus on technical material, and for the robust coursework that is offered. The classes are taught based on recent developments and research, ensuring that they stay relevant and up to date to what is necessary to know in the industry today. The stats/data science/ML courses especially are phenomenal.

Additionally, it is clear that the alumni network is widespread and that alumni hold the program in very high regard -- being able to network with alumni and hear about their experiences directly (at various school-organized events) has been extremely helpful. I know that my experiences in this program will carry me far through my career going forward.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
5.00 star(s)
Headline
MSCF: A Program That Cares, Challenges, and Prepares You for Success
Class of
2026
Reviewed by Verified Member
My time at MSCF has been incredible. The classes have been both engaging and practical, with a strong focus on real-world skills. I’ve especially loved the data science and machine learning courses—they’ve not only given me a solid foundation but also a valuable hands-on experience. The professors are fantastic and genuinely make sure we understand the material, going above and beyond to help us succeed.

The community here is amazing too. Working together with other students on assignments or bouncing general ideas off of each other creates a collaborative and supportive vibe that makes the program even more rewarding. What stands out the most, though, is how much the staff cares about each of us. They check in regularly and make sure we’re doing well both academically and personally. This personal touch has made all the difference and really contributes to the welcoming and motivating environment at MSCF.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
5.00 star(s)
Headline
MSCF Review
Class of
2025
Reviewed by Verified Member
CMU's MSCF program is special, and not just for its rigorous academics and industry relevance, but for the community it fosters. The alumni network is incredibly supportive and engaged, opening doors and offering guidance long after graduation. The faculty genuinely care—not just about your grades or whether you land a job, but about you as a person. Their support feels personal, not transactional. The student body is collaborative, and filled with people who are experts in all kinds of areas. No matter what you want to learn, you’ll always find someone willing to share their knowledge.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
5.00 star(s)
Headline
MSCF: Where Quantitative Excellence Begins
Class of
2026
I entered the MSCF program with a background in Math and Computer Science, but an unsteady foundation in Finance. During an interview with a top-tier asset management firm, I successfully answered over 10 complex fixed income questions — and in that moment, I realized just how instrumental the Fixed Income course from my first semester had been. At the end of the interview, the interviewer said, "I’ve worked with many professionals from the MSCF program — they’re all excellent, which is why I chose to interview you." That was when it truly hit me: the reputation of a program can open doors and create opportunities you wouldn’t get otherwise.

One of the qualities that sets MSCF apart is the unwavering support from its staff. They are deeply committed to guiding students toward becoming top-tier quants and go above and beyond to help us land strong roles in the industry. MSCF also creates countless networking opportunities — whether it's conversations with alumni or events featuring leaders like the Head of Factor Investing at Point72.

Another standout resource is the MSCF Resume Book. It connects students with exclusive job opportunities. Both my classmates and I were contacted through it, and many of us converted those connections into actual offers.

If your primary goal is to break into Quant Finance, Data Science, or Software Engineering, I truly believe MSCF is one of the best choices you can make.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
5.00 star(s)
Headline
Undoubtedly One of the Best Programs
Class of
2026
I'm a class of 2026. Attending this program is one of the best decisions i made. MSCF is one of the best programs out there with very high quality teaching resources, career service, and acadmic environment. It also offers location flexibility to be in Pittsburg or New York City, which none of the other programs can do.

Its courses range from mathematics, statistics, machine learning, and programming (python and C++). Faculty at CMU are amazing at teaching with outstanding track record. Students come from all around the world, with some of the best students I have seen in my life, exemplifying the admission competitiveness of the program. Highly recommend to people looking for opportunities in the quant finance space.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
5.00 star(s)
Headline
MSCF Review
Class of
2024
Hi, I graduated from this program recently. My experience has been very good.

The best thing about this program is that the curriculum is very thoughtfully tailored to meet industry needs, staying current with frequent updates that reflect the latest developments.

The faculty, particularly the professors specializing in Quant, are true legends in their field and they go above and beyond in creating the assignments and teaching the concepts.

On the career front, the availability of career services has been a game-changer. The continuous support provided in recruiting activities has been instrumental, ensuring that I had access to opportunities to the fullest extent possible.

In summary, it has been a great experience. I have learnt a lot, gained a lot of new skills and also secured a good job in line with my career ambitions and I would whole-heartedly recommend this program to anyone pursuing a career in quant finance.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
5.00 star(s)
Headline
Rigorous academics w/ an emphasis on ML and above and beyond career services
Class of
2024
I graduated from undergrad at UC Berkeley studying Math and Economics in 2022 and was looking for a graduate program where I could apply a lot of the technical skills I learned to quant finance. The MSCF program at CMU did all that and more for me. I was initially drawn to it due to the ML emphasis in the course load and the elective offerings (NLP, ML capstone project, Blockchain, etc) as well as the buyside placements it boasts compared to similar programs.

The opportunities I was afforded simply from being part of such a cohesive program and larger alumni community were unparalleled. There were very few companies I wasn’t passing initial resume reviews with and I had a plethora of opportunities that came directly through the career office (who are very supportive and help guide you through any technical or behavioral practice/tips you may need).

As for the academics, I got a well rounded education in traditional finance (options, investment theory, portfolio management), stats, and CS. The condensed course load was certainly challenging as we had 7 weeks or so to master material that could have been given double that time to learn. However we had a very strong community in the NY campus that would routinely study together and were highly motivated by intellectual curiosity and ambition. That sort of culture certainly influences and pushes you to get the most out of the program and prepares you well for the reality of the industry.

All in all, I felt the program exceeded my expectations all around and I learnt a lot, both in terms of hard and soft skills.
Recommend
Yes, I would recommend this program
Students Quality
5.00 star(s)
Courses/Instructors
5.00 star(s)
Career Services
5.00 star(s)
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