New Finance Track Prepares Wall Street “Rock Stars”

By Cathy Wilde

BUFFALO -- The University at Buffalo School of Management is offering a new concentration that can help students land jobs as quantitative analysts—or “quants”—the latest variety of Wall Street rock stars.

Quants are specialists who use their expertise in mathematics, finance and statistics to identify and solve complex issues for financial institutions. They have been called “the rock stars on the Street” by Phil Albinus, editor-in-chief of Advanced Trading, because “the more volatile the markets, the more valuable quantitative analysts become.”

The new quantitative finance track for Master of Science students in the UB School of Management offers various techniques and mathematical methods in finance, which will help students train for careers as quantitative analysts.

“There is a high demand for graduates in this field, which makes the concentration an attractive option,” says David Frasier, assistant dean and director of graduate programs in the School of Management. “Starting salaries are also attractive—ranging in the upper five figures to low six figures.”

“Financial markets have become more volatile and financial instruments more complex in recent decades,” says Kee Chung, chair of the school’s Department of Finance and Managerial Economics Department. “The quantitative track in our MS Finance program provides students with training to effectively manage risks and accurately assess the value of complex securities.

“In addition, our students will have the opportunity to interact with industry executives through our Summer Finance Institute program, which will supplement the academic year course work,” Chung says.

Other career options for graduates of the quantitative finance concentration include investment banking, trading, portfolio management and investment advisement.

For more information about master’s degree programs at the School of Management, contact the Graduate Programs Office at som-apps@buffalo.edu or 716-645-3204.

The UB School of Management is recognized for its emphasis on real-world learning, community and economic impact, and the global perspective of its faculty, students and alumni. The school has been ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, the Financial Times, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal for the quality of its programs and the return on investment it provides its graduates. For more information about the UB School of Management, visit mgt.buffalo.edu.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB’s more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.