Master of Science in Financial Engineering

Preferred Pathway Application

Undergraduate students in their final year of study at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, or recent graduates, may use the Preferred Pathway Application to apply to the Financial Engineering program.

Requirements

  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 at UIUC
  • Minimum course requirements with a grade of "B" or higher:
    • 2 semesters of calculus
    • 1 semester of linear algebra
    • 1 semester of probability and statistics
    • 1 semester of computer programming (Java, Python, C or C++)
  • Students must enter the MSFE program in the Fall semester following graduation in their undergraduate program. If one year or more has passed since the student has graduated, the student will have to apply using the standard application process.
  • You can confirm eligibility, if needed, by emailing msfe-apply@illinois.edu.

Application Instructions:

  • Login or create an account for the Graduate College application portal and begin your application.
  • In the section regarding Application Fee Waivers – indicate you are eligible for an application fee waiver by checking the box for “MSFE Preferred Pathway Program Student”.  Email msfe-apply@illinois.edu, once you have submitted your application, to request the fee waiver.
  • Leave the GRE section blank unless you would like to submit your scores (optional).
  • Reference Letter:  your reference must be a University of Illinois faculty member and be typed on University of Illinois letterhead.  Enter the name of the faculty member on your application for them to submit their letter directly to the application portal.
  • Upload a copy of your most recent uAchieve Report.  You can access your report here:  https://registrar.illinois.edu/academic-records/dars-audit/.
  • Academic Statement of Purpose:   Within 300 words, please describe:  
        • Your academic interests, 
        • Your academic background, preparation, and training, including any relevant professional experiences, 
        • Your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in the MSFE program, and
        • Your professional goals.
  • Video Submission:  Upload a short video of no more than 2 minutes in length answering the following prompts: 
        • "Why do you feel you are best suited for the MS Financial Engineering Program?"
        • "What are your career goals after completing the MSFE program?"
  • Answer all required writing prompts included on the application.
  • Upload your most recent resume.
  • Upload your passport (international students only).

Please note the following:

Evidence of financial resources (international students only) will only be required upon admission.

Preferred Pathway applicants are not automatically admitted into the MSFE program. An admission decision will be made within one month after the submission of a complete application. 

Final admission decisions rest with the Graduate College Admissions Office and require the completion of any academic degrees that were incomplete at the time of your application and maintaining a satisfactory GPA.

Any questions may be directed to msfe-apply@illinois.edu.

*All international applicants requesting visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) are required to demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover the cost of their education while in the United States. Financial documentation is required as part of the application process in order for visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) to the U.S. to be issued. International applicants should upload the documentation directly to the online application using the Declaration and Certification of Finances form. This form includes the amount of funding required and the type of documentation required.