Undergraduate choosing math courses

[salad]

Hey guys,

Been reading the forums for a bit, first time posting. I'm a second year math student looking to work in quantitative trading as a career. Right now I'm planning out the courses to take for my next few years, and was looking for advice. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

-Financial Engineering
-Operations Research
-Probability and Stochastic processes (required)
-Linear Algebra (required)
-Financial math
-Number theory
-Optimization

How does this look? Any advice is helpful - along with input on which courses are tough (so I can take easier electives that semester). Also, if there are any additional electives you guys think I should add, I have interests in CS (particularly Python programming) and Physics (something that deals with magnetism and/or propulsion).

Thanks!

 

[Quantum Defect]

Hey guys,

Been reading the forums for a bit, first time posting. I'm a second year math student looking to work in quantitative trading as a career. Right now I'm planning out the courses to take for my next few years, and was looking for advice. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

-Financial Engineering
-Operations Research
-Probability and Stochastic processes (required)
-Linear Algebra (required)
-Financial math
-Number theory
-Optimization

How does this look? Any advice is helpful - along with input on which courses are tough (so I can take easier electives that semester). Also, if there are any additional electives you guys think I should add, I have interests in CS (particularly Python programming) and Physics (something that deals with magnetism and/or propulsion).

Thanks!

Where is Differential Equations ? Number Theory is pretty theoretical, I think; I am not sure that this is something that "quants" use in their daily life. Is this required for the mathematics major? If it is not, you might look for something more applied -- additional computer science or physics, maybe Statistical Mechanics/Physics?

 

[salad]

Differential Equations surprisingly isn't required. Do you think I should add it? The curriculum here is very open so I have a lot of discretion in the courses I choose. Mainly I'm focusing on applicable knowledge that I can also do well in (failing classes is never a good look).

For the mathematics major I'll need math or statistics courses, so CS/physics is only for additional coursework outside of the major requirement.

 

[Quantum Defect]

Differential Equations surprisingly isn't required. Do you think I should add it? The curriculum here is very open so I have a lot of discretion in the courses I choose. Mainly I'm focusing on applicable knowledge that I can also do well in (failing classes is never a good look).

For the mathematics major I'll need math or statistics courses, so CS/physics is only for additional coursework outside of the major requirement.

I am surprised that DiffEQs is not required. I would take it, but I am a lowly chemist.

 

[Matrix0]

Hi there,

It's great to hear that you are planning ahead for your math courses and have a clear career goal in mind. Your course selection looks well-rounded and relevant for a career in quantitative trading. Financial engineering, operations research, and financial math are all important areas to have a strong foundation in, and it's great that you are also considering courses in number theory and optimization.

As for advice, I would recommend talking to your academic advisor or professors in the math department to get their insights on which courses may be more challenging and which ones may complement each other well. It's also important to balance out your course load with courses that interest you and may not necessarily be directly related to your career goal. This will help keep you motivated and well-rounded as a mathematician.

In terms of your interests in CS and physics, I would suggest looking into courses that combine math with these fields, such as computational physics or mathematical modeling in CS. These courses could give you a unique skill set and may be relevant to your career goals as well.

Overall, it's important to continue challenging yourself and exploring different areas of math. Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to take on difficult courses, as they will only make you a stronger and more well-rounded mathematician. Best of luck in your studies!