<p>My D is stuck between the two programs. She was admitted into Northwestern's Mathematical Methods in Social Sciences today, and if she goes to Dartmouth, Mathematics and Social Sciences is what she wants to major in. What do you guys know about the two programs in addition to the fact that MMSS is a PA program while MSS is not. Thank you for any input to help her make up her mind.</p>
<p>hey crazydad001...I'm in the same exact situation as your daughter (though I don't know what a PA program is).</p>
<p>From what research I've done, it would seem to me that both programs are pretty evenly matched. With Northwestern you have to consider the fact that the program is really only for two years and after that you move away to another major, while working on your thesis combining both (or at least that is the impression I got). There is also the Kellogg Certificate to keep in mind if she is interested in that. Dartmouth on the other hand has a major that is easy to work with for a double or even triple major (though it's obviously not easy to triple majors).</p>
<p>I think a lot has to do with the environment you want to study in and what school you feel more comfortable in.</p>
<p>Wow... what a coincidence! I too have gotten into both programs. I would agree with bballmaster that at this point, it is which school you would be happiest at. Although, I might give a slight edge to Dartmouth in terms of reputation of the program. All of the northwestern students I have talked to said that the MMSS program there is just a way to get into the Kellogg Certificate program, as opposed to actually studying MMSS. Make of this what you will. I am sure not everyone would agree. The other key, is that MSS at Dartmouth is more like a double major (with the same number of requirements as just one major), while the MMSS program claims to actually have courses tailored to people in the program. The only other difference I would say is that in the MMSS program you have to write a thesis paper, while at Dartmouth it would be optional. Another point in favor of Dartmouth on this one, is that you could still easily take on another major. The final thing to consider is how strong are each's other majors if you decided to switch out. Save journalism/theatre, Dartmouth would have Northwestern beat in almost every category. While nobody goes in thinking they are going to change majors, it happens to the vast majority of students (even those who are so motivated that they applied to special MMSS programs like your D). Changing majors is a reality for many students (or at least taking a significant amount of classes outside your major), so ceteris paribus, it is something to take into consideration.</p>
<p>MMSS has been at NU for 30 years. The Kellogg cert program just started this year. I never heard of even one student saying MMSS is just a stepping stone for Kellogg. In the past, half of the MMSS grads went to grad school while Kellogg cert is way more professionally focused.</p>
<p>MMSS vs MSS:</p>
<p>MSS: based of their website, of the 10 courses required, 4 are in social sciences (e.g from econ departmen) and 4 are taken from math department. These 8 courses likely don't integrate math and social science. They are just regular courses in two separate fields. Maybe that's why it looks more like a duoble-major like the you said (though I'd think 4 courses are counted more like a minor at best). The last two are the actual MSS courses and you pick them among the 7 or 8 MMS courses offered in their department. </p>
<p>MMSS: all of the 12 courses are specially designed for MMSS students. It's a much more developed and integrated program; every course incorporates mathematical approaches in an organized and consistent manner. You don't just take few math courses and few social sciences courses; anyone can do that with their electives if they want.
[quote]
Another point in favor of Dartmouth on this one, is that you could still easily take on another major.
[/quote]
Actually, MMSS is an adjunct major. It means you have to pick another major in one of the social sciences to graduate.<br>
[quote]
Save journalism/theatre, Dartmouth would have Northwestern beat in almost every category. While nobody goes in thinking they are going to change majors, it happens to the vast majority of student
[/quote]
Hmm....NU has top-10 departments in chemistry, economics, material science, industrial engineering & management sciences, music, art history, film, communication studies...etc. I don't think I need to continue to list the top-20 or 30 programs to make my point. Dartmouth is ranked slightly higher in college ranking but not department rankings. I am surprised you made this sound like Dartmouth vs. Missouri State.</p>
<p>
[Quote]
I never heard of even one student saying MMSS is just a stepping stone for Kellogg.
[/Quote]
That's why I said everyone I talked to, but I am sure not everyone would agree. </p>
<p>
[Quote]
Actually, MMSS is an adjunct major. It means you have to pick another major in one of the social sciences to graduate.
[/Quote]
Exactly, you have to stay in the social sciences. 10 out of your 36 classes for a major at Dartmouth easily allows you to take any other type of major.</p>
<p>
[Quote]
Hmm....NU has top-10 departments in ...
[/Quote]
There's a difference between an undergraduate school and a graduate school. Northwestern appears better in certain subjects because Dartmouth doesn't have graduate programs in those areas. In general, I also meant that Dartmouth would be best to change to pre-med, pre-law etc. I wasn't taking into account things like film, or music.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong. I appreciate someone else coming on and clarifying things that I said. I just thing you misunderstood the overall tone/idea of what I was saying. I think Dartmouth is better because it just seems more flexible (and in my opinion, that is important). Your opinion of what is important could very well be different.</p>
<p>Actually, your second major can be in engineering or even education/communications: <a href="http://www.mmss.northwestern.edu/alumni/AlumniNewsletter2006.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.mmss.northwestern.edu/alumni/AlumniNewsletter2006.pdf</a> (see the last page). Most people have their second major in social sciences but there are exceptions. It takes up 12 out of your 45 classes so you have just as much room/flexibility for your second major/electives.</p>