October 2025 – Edition 50
Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs, G’79, GRW’86, donates $60 million to establish Wharton’s first new degree offering in 50 years; an enduring champion of quantitative finance at Wharton, Dr. Jacobs has long supported research, students, and faculty through his generosity.
Wharton Announces Launch of Groundbreaking Master of Science Program, Funded by Landmark Gift from Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs, G’79, GRW’86
The Wharton School was thrilled to recently announce the launch of the Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF) program, the School’s first new degree offering in 50 years. Funded by a $60 million gift from Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs, G’79, GRW’86 — the largest single gift in Wharton’s history — the MSQF program will welcome its inaugural cohort in fall 2026.
The program, which involves one year of coursework following a bachelor’s degree, is designed to prepare Penn students with a quantitative background to thrive in the highly competitive field of quantitative asset management. Through access to bespoke resources and programming, including tailored seminars and presentations, MSQF students will gain exposure to industry leaders and engage with real-world challenges facing firms today.
“Bruce’s longtime philanthropic support has been instrumental in cementing Wharton’s position as the global leader in quantitative finance research and education. We are immensely grateful for his recent gift, which will arm the next generation of finance professionals with the specialized skills needed to meet the demands of a tremendously complex and increasingly data-driven industry,” said Wharton School Dean Erika H. James, whose letter in the Fall/Winter 2025 issue of Wharton Magazine expands upon her excitement regarding Dr. Jacobs’s gift. “The Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs Master of Science in Quantitative Finance program marks an exciting new chapter of excellence in finance at Wharton. Building on our legacy as a powerhouse in the financial arena and a pioneer of the data-informed approach to learning, Wharton offers an unparalleled environment for students to explore this dynamic industry and emerge prepared to shape the future of finance.”