Jack Vasilopoulos MA’24 (MAPSS QMSA)

Now with Goldman Sachs in investment banking, Jack Vasilopoulos, BA’24, MA’24 MAPSS, chose UChicago MAPSS Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis (QMSA) because of its strong theoretical knowledge combined with applied skills. The pairing allowed him to learn both foundational concepts and practical applications just a single year. “The program offers a solid theoretical foundation along with applied courses, teaching how to apply these concepts over time,” he says.

Through QMSA, Jack built a diverse network, connecting with classmates from around the world and maintaining relationships with advisors. “Though I grew up and studied in Chicago, QMSA connected me with classmates from across the world with unique sets of experiences,” he says. Career events and job fairs also helped him meet many employers. 

For his thesis, Jack found the program’s required courses invaluable, with support from his advisor, Robert Gibbons, Blum-Riese Professor of Biostatistics, and access to school-provided datasets. One of Jack’s most memorable classes was Statistical Theory and Methods II, which, while challenging, helped him develop critical and holistic thinking skills. 

“The classes were some of the most challenging I’ve taken, but also the most rewarding,” Jack says. “I was able to overcome the challenges of my courses by narrowing down my research and producing a one-year thesis project.”

He adds, “UChicago has excellent faculty, a close-knit community, and small class sizes—ideal for anyone considering a master’s degree.”