I am rising senior from New Jersey and having a hard time deciding between College of Arts and Science (CAS) at NYU and Emory University for Early Decision. I am interested in pursuing studies in Data Science. CAS at NYU offers a major in Data Science while Emory University offers a dual degree option where one can do Bachelor of Business Administration with a Masters in Business Analytics in 4+1/2 years.
While I like the coursework of Emory University better with the benefit of having a master’s degree, I am wondering whether studying in NY city at NYU might offer be better job opportunities - both in and around NY city because of its location and/or in Silicon valley because of better brand recognition.
Any information and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Data Science / data analytics majors are in high demand throughout the country. The need is so acute in some industries–such as accounting & consulting–that some employers even pay tuition, fees, books, room & board & travel for a masters degree in data analysis.
Data analytics is used in consulting, marketing & accounting fields among others.
In short, no wrong choice between Emory & NYU.
P.S. If interested in finance or accounting, one of the best schools in the country for data analytics is the University of Mississippi. Check out Ole Miss’ masters programs.
Villanova is another school to consider. Ohio State, USC, Virginia Tech, Arizona State University, Baylor, Georgia & Missouri as well.
I should have been more clear, I am a rising high school senior and therefore would be looking at undergrad program only. Among the second ivy league colleges (which is what I am likely to get admitted to based on my GPA and SAT scores), I found Emory University an attractive option as it offers a dual degree - BBA + MSBA. However, placement wise, I found most of the grads were placed close to Atlanta. NYU data science department does not provide information on undergrad placement (but its masters program placement information that it does provide seems to be at better tech firms including a decent amount in silicon valley). Hence my question as to whether pursuing undergrad program in Data Science from College of Arts and Sciences (note, business school Stern at NYU also offers a program in Data Science but it is harder to get into Stern school and my scores likely won’t make the cut) at NYU might offer better job placement opportunities than Emory University despite the curriculum being a little light compared to dual degree option at Emory University.
Which school seems to have a better track record with internships (which is how you will build your pre-graduation resume)? Which is more affordable (as in you will have the least amount of debt upon graduation)? Don’t let yourself be completely swayed by where the published stats say graduates are placed… think more about your personal long term goals. Do you see yourself as wanting to always be in the Northeast/NYC, do you want Silicon Valley or are you open to the in-between? You cannot discount that there are fantastic companies based out Atlanta, Nashville, Dallas, Austin, Chicago, Miami … and some of these cities are growing with more and more companies moving in there because the cost of living is so much better. There may actually be more opportunity in those areas (which are closer to Atlanta/Emory) than NYC or CA which actually may be over saturated with applicants. Also you might come out in 4.5 years with your Masters and a great idea for your own start up! Investors might be more willing to take a chance on the person with a MBA… just a thought. The environments for the two schools are very different - NYU very urban and Emory big city but still a true campus life - so consider too where you see yourself studying/living for the next 4-5 years. Just remember to think long term, the chances of you starting with a company after graduation and staying there for 40 years is slim, so don’t put too much weight in that.
If you can’t afford to pay NYU at full price you shouldn’t be considering them for ED.
Thank you ASKMother and Publisher for your thoughts. Erin’s Dad, there is not much to choose between NYU and Emory University in terms of affordability. Both will end up costing about the same and a lot.
You should choose the college you prefer overall. Emory and NYU are very, very different college atmospheres and student bodies. You have to be 1000% sure it’s the school you want to attend if you are applying ED. Most students change their intended majors, so don’t pick it based on splitting hairs about the offerings for this particular major. Pick a school that has data science if you want, but after, pick the college you like better. BTW, I hope you realize that you do . not have to major in data science to get a job in data science.
Thanks brantly. Yes, I plan to visit both colleges over summer. Classes won’t be in session but I would at least get a feel for the campuses. Besides the location, how would you describe the different college atmospheres at the two places. Also, to ASKMother’s very good point about track record with internships, does anyone have information about internships opportunities at the two programs?
Although you have not raised any concerns about cost, if I may ask, will you be borrowing funds in order to pay undergraduate tuition & housing ? If so, then I encourage to avoid applying ED and apply to several schools which are likely to award you a merit scholarship.
P.S. What are your earnings expectations after getting your undergraduate degree in Data Science or a related major ?
I am not looking to borrow funds. I am expecting in the neighborhood of $80,000 after completing the degree. Is that a fair expectation?
Yes, $80,000 is reasonable for one with a substantial number of business courses & a degree in data analytics, data science, etc.
What type of firms / industries are you targeting ?
Tech firms like Google, Amazon, Facebook come immediately to mind but haven’t really thought much about targeting firms/industries yet. Also, generally, any firm where data analytics is an important function would be a good target.
NYU is in a very large city and is very urban. No grass or greenery. Just buildings on the streets. It’s also huge. About 28,000 undergraduate students. There’s not much of a community feel. Also, only 45% of the teaching staff are full-time faculty. The rest are adjuncts or graduate students.
Emory is located in a suburban area of Atlanta and has a traditional campus, with about 7,000 undergrads on the Emory campus (not counting students on the Oxford campus a few miles away). 73% of the teaching staff is full-time faculty.
If you are not applying for FA (and not Stern) then I am not sure you really need to waste the ED on NYU. You can truly pay $275K or whatever with no problem?
Are there any schools that might offer you merit $$? You have no financial need as per generous endowment schools’ NPCs?, are you a competitive candidate?
Consider interning at one of the Big 4 accounting firms. Data analytics are in high demand there. Should get exposure to many Fortune 100 companies. Of course, you will need to take some accounting courses. Great places to get a few years of experience.
Thank you all for your thoughts. It is really very helpful. Sybylla, yes, I am a competitive student and the reason to consider ED at NYU (non-Stern) is because this year, it seems that there were a record number of applicants that seems to have pushed the eligibility criteria higher. Since that has been the trend year over year, you almost need to account for even higher requirements for the coming year. Publisher, my cousin is at Deloitte in Atlanta in data analytics field and he has had the same experience in terms of growth at these firms. Since the need in this field has taken off, many of the programs that specifically offer data science degree at various universities are relatively new. Here are the links to the two universities programs:
http://cas.nyu.edu/academic-programs/bulletin/departments-and-programs/data-science/program-of-study-cas-bulletin.html
https://goizueta.emory.edu/sites/default/files/msba_so.pdf
We live in NJ, and my S just finished his freshman year at Emory. He is also interested in data science, but is planning to pursue the QSS or comp sci major at Emory, not the business school program. These schools are VERY different. As someone else pointed out, NYU is very urban, with no distinct campus, in the middle of NY. Emory is decidedly suburban, with green space, quiet walking paths, and less traffic. It has a defined campus. The dorms are spacious. The lifestyle is very different and you need to decide what you prefer. The experience will be very different.
Emory is in general more laid back than NYU. However, the business school students are very competitive. Also I’m sure you are aware that at Emory you start in Emory College, and apply to Goizueta during your sophomore year. You will spend most of freshman and sophomore years taking your Goizueta prerequisites and your core curriculum. This gives you some time to explore other paths, but it also means you won’t be able to get into the hard core business classes until junior year.
I suggest you visit Emory before applying ED, to see if you like to suburban lifestyle.
record number of applicants<<<<<<<<<
Check the yield, loads of applicants also need FA. NYU is stingy, and being a straightforward full pay qualified candidate is in your favor, hence saving your ED to a truly competitive option. I can't imagine it is NYU or Emory only? What are your stats?
Thanks eascoast101. Did your son apply ED? Do you have a sense for how much concession in GPA and SAT Emory allowed for those applying ED 1 compared to RD. For e.g. for the class of 2023, Emory has reported median UW GPA of 3.92 and SAT of 1500. Those applying ED 1 have a better chance of getting admitted with lower scores. Also, how are the internship opportunities for Emory college students?
Hi Sybylla, my UW GPA is 3.7 and SAT score is 1470. I am a student at a highly competitive private school. As I mentioned, for the class of 2023, Emory has reported median UW GPA of 3.92 and SAT of 1500. But I am hoping that by applying ED 1 (Emory this year had 43% acceptance rate for ED 1 compared to 13% for RD) and based on the strength of my curriculum, I might have a decent chance of admission. NYU did not break out their acceptance rate between ED and RD nor did they provide GPA information. They only reported an overall acceptance rate of 16% with median SAT of 1480. I was considering WUSL but their acceptance criteria is even higher than Emory.
Would love to hear your thoughts about my chances and which other more competitive schools might be options. Thank you.