This program concentrates on the advanced quantitative methods required for modern finance and draws on the diverse strengths of Columbia in stochastic processes, numerical methods and application to finance. Evening courses are available. A Ph.D. program in statistics and probability theory is also offered for students interested in teaching and research in colleges and universities, or in applications in business, industry, or medical research institutions. This M.A. trains students in the application of quantitative methods to social science research problems in business, government and nonprofit organizations. Areas of study include Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.
Students develop analytical skills and general skills in data collection and analysis.
Students may specialize in areas such as survey research, market research, public opinion, program evaluation, and many others. Each Ph.D. degree candidate chooses one or two minor areas of concentration and, before the doctoral dissertation oral examination,demonstrates to the Special Committee chairperson a level of proficiency in French, German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish. In addition to the examinations required by the Graduate School, students in the Ph.D. degree program are given a qualifying examination shortly after the first year of graduate study. For an application, visit the Graduate School's website at Cornell University. Statistical theory is primarily based on the mathematical theory of probability, and covers a wide range of topics, from highly abstract areas to topics directly relevant for applications.