To be admitted into the Master of Financial Engineering program, you must possess an impressive quantitative background and have strong communication skills.

 
We encourage and welcome all qualified candidates to read our
admissions criteria and requirements below.

Admissions Criteria

 
The UCLA Anderson MFE admissions committee considers several factors in selecting candidates.
career-1
  • Ability to do graduate-level business and finance coursework
  • Evidence of computational programming skills (C++, R, and Python) and familiarity with computers as computational and management tools
  • Strong quantitative background, including coursework in linear algebra, multivariate calculus, differential equations, numerical methods and advanced statistics and probability, which includes the following topics: discrete distributions, continuous distributions, density functions, sampling theory, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, ordinary least squares, t-statistics, sampling vs. population moments and chi-square goodness of fit tests
  • Excellent writing, speaking and presentation abilities in English
  • Evidence of experience with mathematical tools (MATLAB)
  • Work or research experience in a quantitative discipline (recommended but not required)
  • Progress toward obtaining CFA certification (recommended but not required)
  • Experience with statistical and econometric applications (recommended)

The Business School Advantage

 

Getting an MFE from a school of engineering would be like any other science degree but UCLA MFE has the added value of being in a business school. We can enroll in MBA classes and learn alongside with students from different backgrounds. We also have various networking and career events throughout the program. UCLA MFE not only focuses on academic excellence, but also puts a lot of emphasis on our future careers.

Audrey Zhou
Home city and country: Shanghai, China
Pre-MFE degree(s): Mathematics Economics
Summer Internship: KPMG LLP, Modeling and Valuation Advisory Intern 

Application Requirements

computer icon

Online Application

We accept applications beginning mid-September through the end of April each year. All applicants must apply to the MFE program through the Division of Graduate Education's online platform.

2018MFE-Requirements-Receipt

Application Fee

A nonrefundable application fee of $200 is required. This fee is paid by credit card when submitting the online application. The application fee is not refundable under any circumstances, regardless of the admission outcome.

Academic records icon

Academic Records

Scanned copies of transcripts from all educational institutions attended must be uploaded in the online application. Original transcripts or documents are only required AFTER  you have been admitted. Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree (four-year degree or equivalent) from a recognized accredited institution. Bachelor's degrees must be conferred prior to the September program start date.

MFE Requirements checklist icon

GMAT/GRE

Applicants must take either the GMAT or GRE. The GMAT or GRE score is valid for five years. The Admissions Committee will accept the highest score if a particular test was taken more than once, but it will have access to all your scores.

Relevant test scores should be sent to the following institution codes:
GMAT: 2NZ-2F-21
GRE: 4837

You are required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for admission to the MFE program.

Open letter icon

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation (submitted online) are required from individuals, preferably direct professional or academic supervisors, who are well acquainted with your performance in a work setting.

Writing a letter icon

Essays

Applicants are required to submit two essays as part of the online application to the MFE program. One optional essay may also be submitted to supply additional information you think would help us evaluate your potential to succeed in the MFE program. The application essays help the Admissions Committee become acquainted with applicants as individuals, and they demonstrate an applicant's ability to write concisely and economically. 

2018MFE-Requirements-Resume

Work History / Resume

Work or research experience in a quantitative discipline is recommended but not required for admission to the MFE program. Exceptional undergraduates with strong quantitative backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

2018MFE-Requirements-Intl

TOEFL / IELTS (International Applicants)

TOEFL or IELTS scores are required of all applicants whose native language is not English. The TOEFL/IELTS is also required for students who attended a university where the medium of instruction was English, but the official language of the country was NOT English (this includes both India and Singapore).

International students who hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a university located in Australia, Barbados, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States, or who have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution, are exempt from these requirements. Learn more.

Briefcase Icon

CFA, FRM, and other Professional Designations:

Include these in the "Professional Designations" section under the "Master of Financial Engineering" tab, and upload a copy of your results in the "Supporting Documents" tab.  

Two people talking interview style icon

Interview (by Invitation only)

Interviews are conducted on an invitation-only basis. Once an application is completed, the Admissions Committee may request an interview with a prospective student.