Quantitative finance programs are a good way to learn about how mathematical modeling can be used to predict and analyze the behavior of complex financial systems. Topics covered might include everything from probability and statistics to the design of predictive algorithms.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree offered in the US and a few other countries. Associate degrees are a qualification below a bachelor's degree. Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.