Compare: Berkeley MFE and Chicago MSFM

[dkrivet]

I am an Engineering undergrad and have received offers from both the Berkeley MFE and Chicago MSFM programs. I am not sure yet what job I want to pursue in the finance industry, but I am also set on doing a PhD before entering the work force so this is also a big consideration for me between the two programs. Any advice on which school I should choose would be appreciated.

 

[Michsund]

PhD in what?

 

[dkrivet]

In quantitative finance, particularly machine learning in finance

 

[Michsund]

To be honest if you want a PhD a mfe is probably not the best bet. I would do a ms in some other field which would be cheaper

 

[dkrivet]

Luckily I've been offered a good scholarship from Chicago, so Im lucky enough to not have to worry about the cost, I just wanted to know if it would be possible to transition to a PhD from these types of programs; I realize it's not the ideal prep course for a PhD.

 

[Michsund]

I would go with the cheaper choice and take classes which are relevant to my PhD choice. I would also look at the professors of both schools and see which you can do research with, this would be a huge plus in applying to PhD programs.