Want to study PhD in Finance - best way to go?

[TATW]

I am a grad student in Financial Economics and expect to achieve excellent grades when I graduate in August. However, my undergrad degree in Economics is not that strong, GPA 3.3. I think that this will be a huge problem when applying for a PhD in Finance at the school I want to study at (Stockholm School of Economics). On their website they say that they value applicants with also a background in a more quantitative subject as well. With my high school grades and SAT scores (95.7th percentile) I know that I can get admitted to a programme in Engineering Physics (the math programmes are not hard to get into in Sweden). This will give me the ability to get a degree in Engineering Mathematics (Bachelor) if I want. Overkill maybe but I think that this will improve my overall profile a lot, as well as give me a large edge while at the PhD programme. What would you do?

 

[darth]

You will invest 4 more years for a bachelors course?

 

[TATW]

Well, 3.

EDIT: I would like to add that I will also be applying while at the program, if that makes any sense.

 

[TBeas]

I think if you wanted to get a degree to bolster your application, it would be some sort of Masters in Math. Shorter time commitment, more rigorous courses. You might need to study up a bit beforehand.

 

[TATW]

I think if you wanted to get a degree to bolster your application, it would be some sort of Masters in Math. Shorter time commitment, more rigorous courses. You might need to study up a bit beforehand.

This is a good point that I have thought about for some time. However, I honestly think that I will not be able to get that deep understanding by skipping a lot of basic maths (many Swedish MSc programmes in Mathematics only requires 3/4 years of prior course work in the subject). I do also think that the engineering degree will open up more doors, both academical and professional.