Considering Columbia's "Global Thought" MA Program, Unsure which Major(s) Path to do

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

This program is one-year, studies global issues and affairs.

They require: CV, Transcript, Statement of Purpose, Writing Sample, 3 Letters of Rec, FL Proficiency

Right now, I have a few options for major(s):

BA Mathematics, BA Philosophy, Econ Minor

BS Quantitative Econ, BA Philosophy

BA Economics, BA Philosophy, History Minor

Of course, the first two give me a higher quantitative background, and while I understand this doesn’t apply to a subject like Global Thought, it’ll help me demonstrate expertise in growing fields (data analysis in social science) and give me a good backup for other careers. However, my GPA is pretty “out-there” to say the least. I have a 4.0 MAJOR GPA in Philosophy, while my overall is around 3.2 due to a couple fails in math and mediocre GenEds FR/SO year.

The last one obviously seems the most applicable to this program, but my transcript would look a little weird if I took Linear Algebra and Time Series and just stopped suddenly lol.

However, I need to work on my GPA, so the last one might be better for THAT reason, AND it’ll help me focus on getting a couple research/publication opportunities more applicable to this MA program.

Otherwise, I will have pretty good GRE scores (slightly lower than Columbia grad average, but pretty good), a pretty good writing sample, and some terrific CV projects.

I appreciate any feedback on my personal endeavors. If anyone gives a really good response that will benefit my entire academic future, I will highly consider giving you gold. Thank you.

2

what’s the point of the MA? What do you want to do with it? Can you afford to pay sticker? (Most Columbia’s Masters programs are cash cows for the Uni, so little financial aid.)

That being said, I’m always a fan of more quant classes for those who are inclined. (But your ‘fails’ in math are a concern.)

A Quant Econ-Phil double would be the most marketable outside academia. Don’t even think about a Minor on top of a double-- no additional value. Heck, there is not much value in a double.

Good luck.

3

I’m a little confused with what you’re asking. It seemed like you were a high school senior or an early college student asking what major you should select. But another thread you started seems to indicate that you’re a college senior now (it was posted in April of this year, and at the time you seemed to be at the end of your junior year).

Here are some thoughts:

  1. You should definitely not select your major on the basis of getting into ONE particular MA program. Your interests and needs may change in college. Pick your major(s) based on your actual genuine interests, and your MA program based on your career goals.

  2. Quantitative analysis can certainly apply to a subject like global thought. It kind of depends on what you’re doing in global thought.

  3. A 3.2 is fine for an MA. Not great, but fine.

  4. “The last one obviously seems the most applicable to this program, but my transcript would look a little weird if I took Linear Algebra and Time Series and just stopped suddenly lol.” - No it wouldn’t. College is a time for exploration and pursuing interests, and most graduate program (especially interdisciplinary ones) know that. No one would hold it against you for taking two very useful math classes and nothing further.

What do you actually want to do with the MA? if you are interested in quantitative analysis in the social sciences, any of these could be good choices with the right coursework.