The Data Science program at the University of Pennsylvania and the Financial Economics program at Columbia University, though in different fields and at different schools, are both highly popular choices for U.S. graduate study. Both require a solid background in mathematics and boast excellent career prospects. Today, we’ll compare the curriculum, career outcomes, and application requirements of Penn’s DS and Columbia’s MSFE to help you make a more informed decision.
University of Pennsylvania MSE in Data Science
Although data science is an emergingfield,it is hugely popular in both academia and industry. Whether we want to apply artificial intelligence techniques to problems, build computational models of real-world phenomena, statistically test hypotheses, or analyze structured, text, or image data, data science and data analysis techniques are becoming essential components of every scientist’s, researcher’s, engineer’s, and policymaker’s toolkit.
Curriculum:
The curriculum involves significant math courses, such as linear algebra, computational linear algebra, etc.; programming languages, data analysis, data mining, data modeling, and even machine learning — all highly rigorous. Students may also choose elective courses according to their interests, such as biomedical science, social network science, artificial intelligence, and survey statistics.
Employment Outcomes:
According to official data, graduates primarily pursue careers in software development, software engineering, and data analysis, with very competitive salaries. Graduates often land jobs at top companies like Amazon, Facebook, Google, IBM, and Microsoft, working as software developers, software engineers, data analysts, data scientists, etc.
Application Requirements:
- GPA: recommended 3.8+
- GRE: The website states it is optional, but the school will review scores, so strong submission is highly recommended.
- Language proficiency: TOEFL 100+ / IELTS 7.5+
- The MSE in Data Science is aimed at students with strong mathematical and statistical proficiency and some programming experience.
- Relevant internships / research / competition experience will be a big plus.
Columbia University MS in Financial Economics
The Master of Science in Financial Economics is based in Columbia Business School, a two-year STEM program, giving it a significant edge in the job market. The program offers academically outstanding and industry-oriented students the opportunity to gain rigorous graduate-level financial acumen.
Curriculum:
MSFE students must take 10 doctoral or doctoral-equivalent courses. In addition to required courses in econometrics, time series, microstructure theory, and microeconomic analysis, they must take doctoral-level courses in the second year, such as asset pricing and behavioral finance.
Of course, these courses are not limited to the Finance division; students often take electives in other departments of the business school (e.g., Operations Research, Accounting) or other divisions/schools of the university (e.g., Computer Science, Statistics, Law School).
Employment Outcomes:
Graduates pursue a wide range of careers, including investment management, investment banking, further doctoral studies, and consulting. Many alumni work at companies such as Amazon, Bank of America, and AlphaSimplex, holding positions like data analyst, investment analyst, and researcher. Because it is a STEM program with a 3-year OPT, graduates can work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation to gain valuable experience—a rare and significant advantage of the program.
Application Requirements:
- GPA: 3.8+
- GRE: 325+
- Language proficiency: TOEFL 100+ / IELTS 7+
- Prerequisites: probability and statistics, macroeconomics, multivariate calculus, linear algebra and matrix theory, and computer programming.
- Relevant internship/research experience is highly valued.
Penn DS vs. Columbia MSFE: A Comparison:
How to choose between the two programs: Penn’s Data Science is better suited for students aiming for careers in data mining, data analysis, or even transitioning into software engineering; Columbia’s Financial Economics is the preferred choice for those targeting investment banking or other finance careers.
If you are considering both paths, you might think about whether you want to return home immediately after graduation or stay and work abroad for a while. In the latter case, Columbia’s Financial Economics is more recommended.
Columbia’s Financial Economics is extremely competitive to get into—near impossible. As a STEM program with a 3-year OPT, it offers a built-in advantage for those who want to work in the U.S. after graduation. Located in Manhattan, near Wall Street, Columbia benefits from a prime location and is a target school for many financial institutions and investment banks, giving graduates a clear edge in the job market.
Program Websites:
Penn DS: https://dats.seas.upenn.edu/
Columbia MSFE: https://academics.business.columbia.edu/msfe
Below is a sample Penn Data Science offer~
If you are interested in studying Data Science at Penn or the MS in Financial Economics at Columbia, scan the QR code below to start a one-on-one admissions consultation~
