MSCF Summer Launch

Prepare to Succeed

The MSCF Summer Launch Course is an online course designed to help you begin your program with confidence and build a strong foundation for success in quantitative finance. This self-paced, structured course provides essential academic refreshers, career preparation, and practical skills development before you arrive on campus August 1st.

What to Expect

Foundations in Math, Probability, and Python

Engage with weekly modules that cover core topics including data types, variables, functions, conditionals, loops, and strings — all critical for quantitative finance programming. Weekly assignments and TA-led sessions reinforce your understanding and skill development.

• Career Launch Activities
  Start building your professional toolkit early with resume workshops, LinkedIn profile reviews, one-on-one career advising, and preparation for networking and interviewing. Three required summer mock interviews with MSCF alumni provide valuable practice.
• Communication Skills Development
  Optional morning and evening sessions focus on business communication, presentation, and improv skills to help you engage confidently in professional settings.
• CS Academy
  A customized version of CMU's online, graphics-based, computer science curriculum taught in Python.
• Wall Street 101
  Gain industry context before classes begin through curated readings, videos, and articles covering foundational finance concepts, market structures, and trading strategies.
• Academic Integrity and Ethics
  Complete a required ethics course and quiz to ensure you are familiar with the high standards expected at Carnegie Mellon.