Balancing code and computations: student’s trifecta journey in computer science, finance, and mathematics

Turner Clay Thompson is not your average college student. A fourth-year at the University of Georgia, Thompson is pursuing an ambitious academic trifecta: a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Mathematics with an emphasis in financial mathematics from Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and also a B.B.A. in Finance from Terry College of Business. Embodying the Franklin Spark—ambitious, curious, creative, and an innovative leader—Thompson is a true inspiration.

“Writing code is like poetry,” Thompson says. “I love poetry.”

This creative spark, combined with a passion for problem-solving, drew Thompson to UGA’s School of Computing. Established in 2022, the School of Computing offered a fresh opportunity for innovation. “It’s better to be a pirate than to join the navy,” said Thompson, embracing the chance to chart new paths.

His ambitions extend beyond coding. “I loved finance,” Thompson said. “There’s this surreal rush I get from having a thesis that the market will behave a certain way and then getting to watch it happen.”

As he expanded his knowledge of finance and computing, Thompson discovered mathematics as the missing link he had been searching for. “High-level math is telling the world where to go,” he said. “The edge of innovation in finance or tech isn’t found by people narrowly focusing on one application, it's driven by those who understand the math behind it.”

Thompson credits UGA’s flexibility for supporting his multidisciplinary vision. “Some schools limit students to one or two majors, which feels restrictive,” he said. “At UGA, I can pursue all three, at two different colleges and they’re deeply interconnected.”

Beyond the classroom, Thompson is a dynamic leader. As founder and president of UGA’s Equity Research Society, he guides students in producing equity reports. He’s also launching the Quantamental Tank, a new initiative blending theory and practice in investing. “Every keen student should start a club,” Thompson advises. “It reveals your strengths and weaknesses in leadership really quickly.”

After graduation, Thompson plans to pursue a master’s in financial engineering at Georgia Tech, confident that his triple major makes him a standout candidate. Turner Clay Thompson’s journey showcases the multidisciplinary opportunities at UGA’s Franklin College. With a strong foundation in computing, finance, and mathematics, he’s not just preparing for the future—he’s shaping it.

Image:Turner Clay Thompson (submitted photo).