<p>Hello,
I'm 2010 SEAS student and I wanted to learn more about industrial engeering @ Columbia U. In the long run I wish to be a lawyer and considering I'm stronger in fine arts (though I did end up attending SEAS due to interest..) I was seriously considering industrial engineering as a major. But students' taking traditional engineering majors mentioned several times that IE's considered as "imaginary" course...for those who can't keep up to major in conventional studies. People also seem to agree that IE is basically a pushover major, and employers know this which could eventually affect employment. Anyways...I would like to know more about IE in Columbia.</p>
<p>Yep, IE, OR and EMS are known as the majors for people who can't handle a real engineering major and/or are slackers. In reality, majoring in IE/OR/EMS is really not that bad. It's not like majoring in nutrition or creative writing or something totally cushy. You still have to pass calculus, chem, physics, computer programming, etc. and in the end you still have a degree from Columbia's engineering school.</p>
<p>Most of the people in those majors have no interest in becoming engineers and are on the path to finance, business, consulting, law, etc. If that's what you want to do, then IE's not a bad option. You'll be able to hone your analytical / problem solving skills, learn to "think like an engineer", etc. And, employers outside of engineering value those skills despite the fact that you might not know how to build a power plant or design a semiconductor.</p>
<p>Ditto. Although I do know some people who ended up loving OR and want to do grad work there, get a job, and then head to business school.</p>
<p>EMS is considered a total joke though. Alternate acronyms: "Engineering Made Simple", "Emergency Major Switch", etc.</p>
<p>What about the new financial engineering major for undergrads?</p>
<p>sounds like the number of pre-banking or pre-consulting students in the IEOR department will only go up.</p>