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The objective of the Financial Engineering Program (MSFE) is to provide students with exposure to the latest in theory and techniques in the financial markets and apply their knowledge even before graduation with real world projects.

ranked #9

Financial Engineering at Illinois ranked #9 Best Financial Engineering Program
by the TFE Times in 2026

2025 MS Financial Engineering Graduates, Michael and Adrian, talk about their pathways from The University of Illinois' ECE and ISE Undergraduate Programs towards joining MS Financial Engineering

 

2013 MS Financial Engineering Graduate, Ishan Prasad, talks about his time attending the MS Financial Engineering Program to now teaching Structured Credit for MSFE Students as an Adjunct Faculty

 

    Testimonials      Message from the Director     Apply

Why Choose Financial Engineering at ILLINOIS?

Financial Engineering at Illinois (MSFE) is a 3-semester STEM-designated Professional Master's Program.

  • Financial Engineering is the application of quantitative methods to the analysis of financial markets and financial products.
  • The quantitative techniques include: Finance, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Data Analytics.
  • Students apply Optimization, Data Science, Neural Networks, Machine Learning and the basic Mathematics in real time with these projects.
  • The applications include the search for profitable opportunities as well as deriving solutions to financial problems.
  • FE involves the measurement, management, mitigation and transfer of risk.
  • The US capital markets are the most dynamic and exciting in the world.
  • The derivatives market in Chicago are the most innovative in the world.
  • Recent Practicums have been with CME Group, Morgan Stanley, Google, BMO (Harris), Axis Re, Market Axess, CTC, The University of Illinois' Treasury Office, Peak6 and Principal Financial.


Upcoming Events

 
Nov
21

Fall break begins

  • November 21, 2026
  • Saturday, 8:30 AM
  • Swanlund Administration Building
Nov
30

Instruction resumes

  • November 30, 2026
  • Monday,
  • I-Hotel
Dec
9

Last Day of Instruction, Fall Semester

  • December 9, 2026
  • Wednesday,
 

Go to Calendars

2026-2027

📅  INFO SESSIONS

October 20, 2026 | 8:30am - 9:30am US CST

REGISTER HERE

November 11, 2026 | 7:00pm - 8:00pm US CST

REGISTER HERE

 

🎓 ADMISSIONS

Open: November 1 – April 15

 

Yixuan Huo

"The MSFE program is a highly practical program that provides me with solid technical skills. The professors enrich our learning experience by assigning industry-relevant projects and fostering market insights through their lectures. The faculty and alumni are incredibly supportive, demonstrating genuine care for students' career development and offering invaluable guidance and assistance. I deeply appreciate being part of the MSFE program and am truly grateful for this opportunity!"

Undergraduate College: Tsinghua University
Undergraduate Degree: Economics and Finance
Yixuan Huo 2025
Quantitative Researcher, Trexquant Investment LP, Stamford, Connecticut

Michael Wattelet

"The Master of Science in Financial Engineering program is an exceptional blend of rigorous quantitative training and real-world application. One unique aspect of this program is the opportunity to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry sponsors through the Practicum course, allowing me to apply theoretical concepts to practical financial challenges and gain valuable hands-on experience. Additionally, the top-tier faculty brings a wealth of academic expertise and industry experience, providing mentorship that fosters both technical and professional growth. I am truly grateful to be part of this program!"

Undergraduate College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Undergraduate Degree: Systems Engineering and Design
Michael Wattelet 2025
Quantitative Analyst, Bank of America, Atlanta

Ping Chao (Adrian) Cheng

"The MSFE program at UIUC offers rare, hands-on exposure to the same technologies and systems used in the finance industry today. Beyond computational tools, the program provides direct experience with the hardware that powers quantitative finance - something few academic programs offer. Through the Automated Trading Practices concentration and courses like IE421 High Frequency Trading and FIN556 Algorithmic Market Microstructure, I worked with actual high-frequency market data and saw firsthand how automated trading functions in practice. Entering the industry, it was immediately clear how directly my training aligned with real-world workflows and systems."

Undergraduate College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Undergraduate Degree:  Computer Engineering
Ping Chao (Adrian) Cheng 2025
Jump Trading, Technical Operations Systems Engineer

Kamin Atsavasirilert

“The MSFE program at UIUC offers a unique blend of advanced financial engineering techniques taught by renowned professors and industry practitioners from business, engineering, and finance disciplines. The strong alumni network and supportive faculty provide invaluable guidance during my job search process. It has been an incredible experience that I deeply appreciate and enjoy .”

Undergraduate College: Chulalongkorn University 

Kamin Atsavasirilert 2024
Senior Quantitative Analyst - McLean, VA, Capital One

Dhruv Oza

“The MSFE program at UIUC provided me with a strong foundation in quantitative finance, equipping me with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for the industry. The curriculum is extensive and well-structured, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through relevant practicum projects. The faculty's support has been invaluable, offering continuous career guidance and job search assistance. Overall, I am highly impressed by the program’s rigorous coursework, real-world applications, and dedicated faculty".

Undergraduate College: Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

Dhruv Oza 2024
Quantitative Strategist, Goldman Sachs, Dallas, TX

Rankings and Affiliations

    International Association for Quantitative Finance - Academic Program Affiliate Member  Master of Finance Degrees top 25 programs US News and World Reports Best Grad Schools for Engineering Best Value School, Best ROI: Public Universities Midwestern US Region  International Association for Quantitative Finance - 2015 IAQF Case Competition Student Team Winner