What would you say makes Columbia’s economics department unique from that of other schools (HYPS)? I’m currently a rising senior and am trying to learn more about certain curriculum!
Also, what do you guys think of the core? What are the pros?
One more thing: as an undergrad, will i have any of stiglitz’ classes? if so, which ones?
Thanks for your help!
The Core is the greatest thing about Columbia. If you go to Harvard, for example, what are the odds you have to actually learn anything? I’m only being slightly hyperbolic when I ask that. You can get by taking only your major and fulfilling your distributional reqs with easy and/or contentless classes.
Now, the Core is something else. For the Core, you’re required to read/analyze/listen to and discuss the greatest works of art, music, literature, and philosophy of Western history. Going back to our Harvard example, sure, you graduate in Econ and get some cozy job on Wall Street. But if I ask the recent Harvard grad, “hey, what do you think about Nietzsche’s criticism of scientific advancement,” what will he say? If I ask, “what’s your opinion on the ideal of Augustinian Free Will, or do you think it’s just a cop out to explain Augustinian Christian ethics,” what would he say? If you’re a Harvard kid who only cares about econ and money, you’ll have no knowledge of what I’m talking about.
But every single person at Columbia College will understand what those things are. And that’s what makes the Core so great. You come out of college, regardless of your major, as an intellectual.
@LeBirthdayBoss If looking at the standing of schools purely for economics Harvard,MIT,Stanford, Princeton are arguably the top schools, Yale comes in a few spots after but there is a considerable jump. Columbia comes after that, it is generally considered a top 10 school for econ, but not really a top 8 school. So all HYPSM definitely has stronger Econ.
However, for undergrad it doesn’t matter as much amongst the top 10 or so schools, all of these schools are tops, and the differences between the econ departments both in terms of quality and philosophy/vibe are not substantial. You should be focusing more on the overall undergrad experience each one offers. What makes Columbia unique as an undergrad experience is probably the core and its location.
As for classes with the Nobel economists at Columbia, Stiglitz only teaches one senior seminar on behavioral insight into macro. Bhagwati teaches a micro seminar on critiques of globalization. And, Phelps has a macro seminar on the main influences on economic activity. I think the econ department assigns seminars by lottery.
+1 to Penn95’s point that all the elite schools have very strong undergraduate economics programs. You won’t be disadvantaged for jobs or grad school at any of them. Your prospects will depend on what you make of your opportunities on campus with faculty, alumni, and fellow students. So students should think about where they will thrive and love the experience the most (among the schools you actually get admitted).
-1 at Aurelian’s claim that everyone out of Columbia is an intellectual. The Core is great and provides a solid baseline. But, it is certainly not perfect. Columbia certainly has plenty of students whose only goal is to make as much money as possible, especially among econ majors. Econ is also the default major for jocks and frat bros.
Chicago also has an excellent Economics dept, I think six of their current staff are Nobel laureates. If you’re competitive with Columbia admissions, I would definitely advise you to apply there. In terms of matches, there are a few public schools such as Berkeley and Michigan that have top notch economics programs.