The MS in Fintech Analytics (MS FTA) program requires students to complete extensive practical training as an essential component of the degree. The program requires all full-time students to participate in ongoing practical training immediately following their initial enrollment. The requirement does not require registration for additional credit but does require registration by ALL students, regardless of citizenship or visa status, for the zero credit practical training course 16:954:690 for each semester or summer session in which a student does an internship or coop. Practical training can be fulfilled by any one of the following methods, with off-campus internships or co-ops being strongly recommended as the preferred mode of fulfilling the practical training requirement:
- Strongly Recommended: While not required, an off-campus Internship or Co-op position with an employer in the Fintech, quantitative finance, or finance and data science-related department of a company is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED as the most preferred component of Practical Training. The position should be related to the MS FTA curriculum and is at least four weeks in duration. The student is required to submit a written report after the internship ends. If approved by the program director, such an internship can be part of an elective course under 16:954:683 (independent study) and earn credits towards the degree.
- Regular full-time position with an off-campus employer in the Fintech, quantitative finance, or finance and data science-related department of a company. The position should be related to the MS FTA curriculum and last at least 4 weeks. If approved by the program director, such employment can be part of an elective course under 16:954:683 (independent study) and earn credits towards the degree.
- On-campus research, or research project participation, where the research or project is related to the MS FTA curriculum under the sponsorship of one or more of a Fintech institution, industry practitioner, or a Rutgers faculty member (regular or adjunct). A detailed written report on the research or project participation should be submitted and approved by a faculty member. If approved by the program director, such research or project participation can be part of an elective course under 16:954:683 (independent study) and earn credits towards the degree.
- Participation in the MS FTA practitioner’s seminar series or MS FTA career workshop series. Students must attend at least 4 seminars from either series. A written report should be submitted based on one of the technical seminars. The report should summarize the problems, ideas, approaches, and results learned from the seminar, and provide additional information from further reading and research on the topic.
International students should be aware of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services rules governing off-campus employment in the United States for students with F-1 visas. Please consult staff members at Rutgers Global – International Student and Scholar Services for advice well in advance of internship search and employment. Also, international students should attend an Off-Campus Employment Workshop early in the semester before beginning CPT employment. For more information on CPT and the workshop schedule, check the Rutgers Global – International Student and Scholar Services webpage.