Financial Quantitative Analysts

High School

Take as many math classes as are available. Accounting, business, economics, and computer classes will be helpful as well. Computer classes are recommended for future work in using databases and spreadsheet software to analyze financial information and create reports. Also be sure to focus on developing your research and writing skills, which will be useful for conducting investment research and writing and presenting investment recommendations.

Postsecondary Training

Most financial quantitative analysts have a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, economics, finance, or statistics. Other majors include communications, international business, and public administration. Some companies may hire analysts with degrees in other disciplines, providing they have mathematical ability. Relevant courses include business, mathematics, economics, statistics, computers, communications, and English. Some employers may prefer to hire quantitative analysts who hold a master's degree in finance or business administration.

A growing number of colleges and universities offer degrees in quantitative analysis. Based on a study of peer assessment survey of undergraduate business programs that are accredited by AACSB International, U.S. News & World Report says that the following quantitative analysis programs are the best in the United States: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Pennsylvania, University of California-Berkeley, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Texas-Austin, Georgia Institute of Technology, Cornell University, New York University, Purdue University-West Lafayette, and Washington University in St. Louis. Visit https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-quantitative-analysis for more information.

The International Association for Quantitative Finance offers a list of programs on its Web site, https://www.iaqf.org/academic-programs. It also provides an extensive list of student resources at https://www.iaqf.org/student-resources.

Certification

Some colleges and universities and for-profit education providers offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in quantitative analysis and related fields. These programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. One example is the graduate certificate in quantitative finance that is offered by Fitch Learning (https://www.cqf.com). Learning modules include Building Blocks of Quantitative Finance; Quantitative Risk & Return; Equities & Currencies; Data Science & Machine Learning I & II; Fixed Income & Credit; and advanced electives. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

Education for financial quantitative analysts is ongoing as they must stay up to date on industry developments in such areas as international trade, state and federal laws and regulations, and computer technology. Associations such as the Association for Financial Professionals and the CFA Institute offer education and training for financial professionals.