What specific math subjects are necessary to learn become a quantitative researcher?

[on_AC_mode]

As a potential BS/MS for Math's candidate at Georgia Tech, I'm trying to properly research which specific maths subjects to take at GaTech in hopes of getting a career in quantitative finance. I'd then possibly pursue a Masters in Math in Finance or MFE, but that's far from now.

Kindly would anyone possibly be able to help me plan out (go through the course options/links 1 & 2 below) in selecting the specific math courses I should take at GaTech to set myself up for success (and use my resources to the fullest extent)? Possibly through this thread or via zoom/private DMs -- whatever works best!

Here are the links to both undergrad/grad math courses, as well as the BS & MS programs for GaTech:

1. Undergrad Math Courses List: [https://math.gatech.edu/projected-s.../projected-schedule-of-undergraduate-courses)
2. Grad Courses: [https://math.gatech.edu/projected-s...h.edu/projected-schedule-of-graduate-courses)

3. BS Math: [https://math.gatech.edu/undergradua...math.gatech.edu/undergraduate/bs-mathematics)
4. MS Math: [https://math.gatech.edu/graduate/ms-mathematics](https://math.gatech.edu/graduate/ms-mathematics)
5. BS/MS Math: [https://math.gatech.edu/undergradua...th.gatech.edu/undergraduate/bsms-mathematics)

I'll definitely try and talk to my advisors and relevant alumni, but anyone from here willing to help as well would be great too!

DISCLAIMER: To be clear so there’s no misunderstanding, I‘ve already seen a bunch of Reddit posts and articles about the specific math courses to take (saved the links and all too) and have a decent idea already of what courses to take... I’m more so asking someone who’s an expert in the field to possibly help further guide me lol... like specific question I was gonna as in DMs or private convo would be for example is it important to take the “Calculus of Variations” course offered (since I heard it's important here: https://qr.ae/p2GrSg)?

 

[Kwabina]

please did you get the answers you were looking for? I am also interested and i want to know what courses to take

 

[MikeLawrence]

As a potential BS/MS for Math's candidate at Georgia Tech, I'm trying to properly research which specific maths subjects to take at GaTech in hopes of getting a career in quantitative finance. I'd then possibly pursue a Masters in Math in Finance or MFE, but that's far from now.

Kindly would anyone possibly be able to help me plan out (go through the course options/links 1 & 2 below) in selecting the specific math courses I should take at GaTech to set myself up for success (and use my resources to the fullest extent)? Possibly through this thread or via zoom/private DMs -- whatever works best!

Here are the links to both undergrad/grad math courses, as well as the BS & MS programs for GaTech:

1. Undergrad Math Courses List: [https://math.gatech.edu/projected-s.../projected-schedule-of-undergraduate-courses)
2. Grad Courses: [https://math.gatech.edu/projected-s...h.edu/projected-schedule-of-graduate-courses)

3. BS Math: [https://math.gatech.edu/undergradua...math.gatech.edu/undergraduate/bs-mathematics)
4. MS Math: [https://math.gatech.edu/graduate/ms-mathematics](https://math.gatech.edu/graduate/ms-mathematics)
5. BS/MS Math: [https://math.gatech.edu/undergradua...th.gatech.edu/undergraduate/bsms-mathematics)

I'll definitely try and talk to my advisors and relevant alumni, but anyone from here willing to help as well would be great too!

DISCLAIMER: To be clear so there’s no misunderstanding, I‘ve already seen a bunch of Reddit posts and articles about the specific math courses to take (saved the links and all too) and have a decent idea already of what courses to take... I’m more so asking someone who’s an expert in the field to possibly help further guide me lol... like specific question I was gonna as in DMs or private convo would be for example is it important to take the “Calculus of Variations” course offered (since I heard it's important here: https://qr.ae/p2GrSg)?

Short answer is no, calculus of variations is not essential. You can make do with excellent knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, and the first course of a mathematical statistics sequence. And CPP + python.

Basically, the most sussict path is to master those two areas and then work through Wasserman's All of Statistics and you're kinda good to go. Interview questions become more important than calculus of variations. Master the grail of interview books before worrying about Variational Calculus. If you realize you need it for the specific thing you want to do, then learn it. Otherwise don't bother.