<p>I'm applying to Wharton but does Columbia's Econ department compare? If not then how much different is it. Also, if I do attend Columbia, can I take some MBA classes?</p>
<p>Wharton is the best undergrad b-school in the world, columbia has one of the best econ depts in the world. It's that simple, they're very different curricula. I strongly believe that even if you are going on to wall street a grounding a economics or math is better than a grounding in business. </p>
<p>wharton places slightly better on wall street, but is also pre-professional and is more specialized than an econ degree. there are many finance classes at columbia that prepare students very well investment banking, but obviously being a finance major from Wharton gives you much more depth. You can take b-school classes at columbia but not any of them, there is a subset which you are allowed to take.</p>
<p>It depends if you want to study economics, the econ-math joint major is a good one, it's not easy and the students in there are bright, but if you want business don't go through 2 years of econ. Most people who study business say there is very little correlation between classroom learning and on the job skills, meaning you learn relevant stuff only when you work. If this is the case, for wall street jobs, it should hardly matter what you study as an undergrad and long as the discipline gives you good analytical skills.</p>
<p>Couldn't have put it better myself.</p>
<p>I just entered the workforce, and I speak for myself and many of my friends when I reiterate that a vast majority of the learning is on the job. The way I see it, why do an undergrad business degree when you're eventually going to do the same stuff in the workplace? I guess I like broad horizons.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong, Wharton's fantastic.</p>