The financial mathematics master’s program at Johns Hopkins is offered through the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics as a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE). The program takes three semesters to complete, with students starting in the later summer and finishing in mid-December. Students with a strong quantitative undergraduate background are encouraged to apply for admission to the program.
The Master’s program in Financial Mathematics will provide a solid foundation in applied mathematics, providing the basis for an understanding and appreciation of existing models commonly used in financial applications and inferential and computational tools for developing their solution. The program will also furnish the appropriate insights in Finance where quantitative skills are most germane. The combination of these elements will create a springboard for addressing today’s quantitative challenges in finance as well as provide the preparation to meet the challenges of the future.
In order to be consistent with our aim of producing the next generation of leaders in financial mathematics, while we focus on the enhancement of students’ already considerable quantitative abilities, the program will also emphasize mastery of the abilities to translate real-world problems into mathematical ones and to communicate the solutions obtained to specialists and non-specialists alike. Accordingly there are two complementary skills that the program will ensure.
First, there is no question that mastery of computing is essential to Financial Mathematics. Thus, every graduate must have a working knowledge of the utilization of computers in Financial Mathematics. This includes such topics as: computer programming (in C/C++), use of numerical software packages, symbolic computations, and the implementation of interfaces between algorithms and data.
As important as computing, so also is the need for effective communication. We will require that students refine their communication skills by frequently making presentations in a seminar setting or similar forum, and acquire the critical technical and oral presentation skills through coursework and from the expertise available in Johns Hopkins’ Professional Communications program.
Program Requirements
For departmental certification for this degree, the student must complete the following courses or approved substitute courses with program approval pursuing either the Area of Focus Track or Legacy Track. Graduate students can also work with their advisors to customize the Area of Focus Track. Please refer to our program website for the most current program requirements and information.
Area of Focus Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Financial Mathematics Requirement | ||
| EN.553.644 | Introduction to Financial Derivatives | 4 |
| EN.553.645 | Interest Rate and Credit Derivatives | 4 |
| Core Applied Mathematics Requirement | ||
| EN.553.613 | Applied Statistics & Data Analysis I | 4 |
| EN.553.627 | Stochastic Processes and Applications to Finance I | 4 |
| EN.553.639 | Time Series Analysis | 3 |
| Electives 1 | ||
| Select seven elective courses 2 | 21 | |
| Financial Mathematics Seminar | ||
| EN.553.847 | Financial Mathematics Masters Seminar | 1 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
- 1
Please see department website for approved electives.
- 2
One course in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, two courses in Financial Mathematics and four additional courses from the approved electives listing or with prior program approval.
In addition to the above course requirements, all students must complete:
- A computing requirement (EN.553.803.01 Financial Computing Workshop) offered during Intersession only
- The communication skills requirement (Communication Skills Practicum)
- An internship (typically done during summer after first year in residence)
- Course on Responsible Conduct of Research
- University Orientation and Academic Ethics
Legacy Track
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Financial Mathematics Requirement | ||
| EN.553.642 | Investment Science | 4 |
| EN.553.644 | Introduction to Financial Derivatives | 4 |
| EN.553.645 | Interest Rate and Credit Derivatives | 4 |
| EN.553.646 | Risk Measurement/Management in Financial Markets | 4 |
| Core Applied Mathematics Requirement | ||
| EN.553.627 | Stochastic Processes and Applications to Finance I | 4 |
| EN.553.633 | Monte Carlo Methods | 4 |
| EN.553.613 | Applied Statistics & Data Analysis I | 4 |
| EN.553.639 | Time Series Analysis | 3 |
| EN.553.661 | Optimization in Finance | 4 |
| Financial Mathematics Seminar (3 semesters) | ||
| EN.553.847 | Financial Mathematics Masters Seminar | 1 |
| Electives 1 | ||
| Select three elective courses 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
- 1
Please see department website for approved electives.
- 2
One course in Applied Mathematics and Statistics, one course in Financial Mathematics and one additional course with prior program approval.
In addition to the above course requirements, all students must complete:
- A computing requirement (EN.553.803.01 Financial Computing Workshop)
- The communication skills requirement (Communication Skills Practicum)
- An internship (typically done during summer after first year in residence)
- Course on Responsible Conduct of Research
- University Orientation and Academic Ethics
An overall GPA of 3.0 must be maintained in courses used to meet the program requirements. At most two course grades of C or C+ are allowed to be used, and the rest of the course grades must be B- or better.