COMPARE Columbia University MFE vs Carnegie Mellon University MSCF

[ygmwy]

I was choosing between CMU NY MSCF and Columbia MFE. The reason I chose MFE is because their program teaches you the most the fastest by cramming information into your head very early on. That makes you better able to interview early as in my experience, I had an advantage over Princeton and CMU counterparts. Columbia's MFE classes are taught at a PhD level, and this really helped with the job search which geared up in September while CMU and Princeton were focused on teaching people the "foundation." Also, Columbia's curriculum is a lot more hands on. The one thing that Columbia sucks at right now is teaching programming, but they are getting better, and if you already know it, you'll find it that much easier.

But honestly, who cares about measure theory? Better to learn stuff that are actually asked in interviews, and used in the field. And no, stochastic calculus is not as important as incoming students would like to think. Columbia is just good at teaching you exactly what you need to know, and getting you out there to get a job. Once you get a job, you will not care anymore. I swear. I didn't think it would happen to me or my friends, but it did. You have no idea.

 

[biwu]

CMU MSCF is better only if you go to NYC campus.

do you mind elaborating a bit? I am choosing between NYC and Pitt campus. Thanks.

 

[biwu]

I was choosing between CMU NY MSCF and Columbia MFE. The reason I chose MFE is because their program teaches you the most the fastest by cramming information into your head very early on. That makes you better able to interview early as in my experience, I had an advantage over Princeton and CMU counterparts. Columbia's MFE classes are taught at a PhD level, and this really helped with the job search which geared up in September while CMU and Princeton were focused on teaching people the "foundation." Also, Columbia's curriculum is a lot more hands on. The one thing that Columbia sucks at right now is teaching programming, but they are getting better, and if you already know it, you'll find it that much easier.

But honestly, who cares about measure theory? Better to learn stuff that are actually asked in interviews, and used in the field. And no, stochastic calculus is not as important as incoming students would like to think. Columbia is just good at teaching you exactly what you need to know, and getting you out there to get a job. Once you get a job, you will not care anymore. I swear. I didn't think it would happen to me or my friends, but it did. You have no idea.

Hi @ygmwy ,

I agree with you that starting earlier does help with interview for internships. However, Columbia cancels the summer term this year, i.e. Columbia students will have the same level of foundations knowledge as CMU/Princeton students when they are on the market for internship. I have no idea why summer is cancelled and whether refresher courses are provided. What is your choice if no summer term? looks like this is the biggest argument you have.

Thanks,
biwu

 

[ygmwy]

Hi @ygmwy ,

I agree with you that starting earlier does help with interview for internships. However, Columbia cancels the summer term this year, i.e. Columbia students will have the same level of foundations knowledge as CMU/Princeton students when they are on the market for internship. I have no idea why summer is cancelled and whether refresher courses are provided. What is your choice if no summer term? looks like this is the biggest argument you have.

Thanks,
biwu

Hmm, is that so? All I can say is that Columbia knows what you need to know and what you don't need to know. That is what I like about the program. Princeton and CMU seem to be more academic and research oriented. If that's your thing, you can still find it at Columbia, but on average, Columbia is more of what they call the "engineering approach" which is all I care about. You'll see that people don't care about school once they have their job. Learning is so much faster and relevant and tangible in the job. That kind of approach works for most people. Still, Columbia has the best names in research teaching there. Someone else can rebutt for Princeton and CMU.

 

[mfe_LK]

Hi all,

This is my first post here, feeling excited!

I'm graduating from UC Berkeley with Stats and Business double major. I have taken 3 computer science classes so I can program but not as skillful as CS Majors. I have internship experience in BlackRock, another one in China, both in quantitative investment field.

I want to do quantitative asset management in the future. I know the opportunities are very limited especially for fresh grads so I don't know which school can help me better to achieve my goal. I really like Columbia course setting cuz I can learn stochastic cal and other interview related courses earlier, whereas CMU's finane econ and probability in first mini are sth I've learnt in undergrad. However, I heard CMU's class are very close to real industry practice and I also like CMU's career service. Given my background and my career goal, I would really appreciate if I can hear your suggestion on school choice!


Thanks!

 

[hanaF]

given u graduate from UCB, why not consider the UCB MFE program?

 

[mfe_LK]

given u graduate from UCB, why not consider the UCB MFE program?

Ummm, kinda wanna go NY for different experience. So I'm just debating between these two programs.

 

[Quant4Life]

I'd suggest to look into NYU's program as well. It's more theoretical, so it'll depend on you which one fits you best...

 

[mfe_LK]

I'd suggest to look into NYU's program as well. It's more theoretical, so it'll depend on you which one fits you best...

Thanks! Do u know in terms of career opportunities, which one is better?

 

[l_l_c_p]

Hii Quants
I am kinda behaving like an a@#$%&e by posting a question on this forum asking about masters Fin Math at IIT Chicago . But dear quants those who are aware of the rankings can anyone enlighten me about the tuition fees mentioned in the ranking against the universities . Are those for one academic year or the full course fee ?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

The tuitions on the ranking are often quoted for the whole degree, exclusive of any fee. Keep in mind that tuition usually increases each year.

 

[Serina]

Could anyone help me compare these two programs, Columbia MFE (Financial Engineering) and CMU MSCF?
Which one is better for an international student to find a job in US?
Thanks aaaaaa lot!

 

[JLevin]

Guessing you got into both? Good stuff!

You will get a job with both. I don't know whether you will get the job though, because you haven't specified what this is.

Anyhow I'd take Columbia if CMU is for their non-satellite NYC campus, no matter what.

J

 

[mhy]

Very tough choice. I really think it's up to personal preference here. I would choose MSCF (but I'm biased obviously)

Threads you might want to read:

https://www.quantnet.com/threads/columbia-mfe-vs-cmu-mscf.6606/

https://www.quantnet.com/threads/cmu-mscf-or-columbia-mfe.16439/

https://www.quantnet.com/threads/cmu-mscf-nyc-vs-columbia-mfe.16192/

 

[Serina]

Guessing you got into both? Good stuff!

You will get a job with both. I don't know whether you will get the job though, because you haven't specified what this is.

Anyhow I'd take Columbia if CMU is for their non-satellite NYC campus, no matter what.

J

Thanks for your advice.

CMU NY campus.

I d like to find a job in quantitative finance, but I am not sure about the specific kind of positions I d like to go for. Quantitative Strats, maybe.

 

[Serina]

Very tough choice. I really think it's up to personal preference here. I would choose MSCF (but I'm biased obviously)

Threads you might want to read:

https://www.quantnet.com/threads/columbia-mfe-vs-cmu-mscf.6606/

https://www.quantnet.com/threads/cmu-mscf-or-columbia-mfe.16439/

https://www.quantnet.com/threads/cmu-mscf-nyc-vs-columbia-mfe.16192/

Thanks for your kind help!

 

[JimmyK]

Both programs are excellent but I would take Columbia for the brand name

 

[hz_april]

Hi guys,

I just got offers from CMU and Columbia. I don't know which program to choose. They are both top programs in FE.

I know CMU has better career service, but Columbia is an Ivy League university. I heard that CMU had more connection with Goldman, DB and UBS, and Columbia had more with Morgan Stanley and Citi. Is this true?

I have contacted some MSCF students, but I don't know anyone at MSFE program. Are there any MSFE students or alumni saying something about these two programs?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

 

[dayin]

First, both programs are good.
However, if you want better career service, go with CMU; otherwise, choose Columbia.

 

[Mensa]

Try a different way to make the decision. That is:

Ignoring the advantages, instead, try to compare the disadvantages of these two programs that which one you cannot stand more?

For CMU MSCF, you have to take video lectures, and cannot enjoy the real campus life. In this point of view, you may dislike CMU more.

On the other hand, I don't think there are much difference between the two. They are both top programs. The only factor, that decides whether you would succeed or not, is just yourself.