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Financial Mathematics (BS)

Offered jointly with the Departments of Economics and Management, this major serves students interested in applying the principles of mathematical and economic analysis in the financial services industry. Past graduates are pursuing careers in security analysis at mutual funds, private wealth management, and management of nonprofit organizations.

Program Requirements

Courses required for the financial mathematics major are:

ECON 100Principles of Microeconomics

4
ECON 101Principles of Macroeconomics

4
 
MATH 118Introductory Statistics

4
OR
MATH 227Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis

4
 
MATH 220Multivariable Calculus

4
MATH 211Linear Algebra

4
ECON 220International Monetary Systems

4
ECON 231Money & Banking

4
ECON 393Econometrics

4
MATH 319Financial Mathematics

4
MATH 338Probability

4
 
MATH 339Statistical Theory

4
OR
MATH 343Mathematical Modeling

4
 
ACCT 110Financial Accounting

4
MGMT 260Finance

4
MGMT 311Investments

4

MGMT 311 or another 300-level finance course in management

The Capstone requirement for this major is satisfied by ECON 393.

The Student Learning Outcomes for the Financial Mathematics major are:

  1. Understanding of the basic concepts and techniques in core content areas of mathematics, and statistics and ability to translate that theory to financial modeling and financial engineering.
  2. To acquire knowledge of economic concepts, institutions, theories, models, and methodologies including econometrics, and to demonstrate competency in applying this information to analyze economics events and to evaluate alternative economic policy initiatives.
  3. Understanding of the basic concepts and techniques in core content areas of accounting, finance, and investing.
  4. Ability to use the knowledge of mathematics, statistics, economics and finance to build theoretically sound financial models, choose relevant data, use appropriate modeling tools and software, and critically interpret the results.
  5. Ability to communicate mathematical, economic, and financial ideas clearly and precisely.
  6. Ability to independently read and learn mathematical finance.

Honors in Mathematics or Biostatistics In order to receive Honors in Mathematics and Statistics, a student must:

  1. Maintain superior academic performance as indicated by a GPA of 3.5 or higher in major courses taken at Simmons College
  2. Conduct independent research through the successful completion of an NSF-REU or similar research program or by completion of a thesis or project supervised within the Department which receives a grade of A- or A.
  3. Communication of the work by presentation to the Department or another approved forum.