<p>I'm a current student at the University of Southern California (USC), pursuing a bachelor degree in Business Administration (Finance) with a minor in Music Industry. I will become a senior this year and I currently have a 3.7 GPA with an management consulting internship experience at a Big 4 accounting firm. I decided to graduate in 3 years so that I could save up money for graduate school. The reason why I plan to pursue a masters degree is simply because I enjoy learning and I really want to have a deeper understanding and broader knowledge in my studies. </p>
<p>I have been looking into different masters programs but I really need suggestions and thoughts on which schools would be a reach for me with my current GPA. I plan to pursue a masters in economics, mathematics, or finance. From what I have researched so far, Columbia provides the Masters in Financial Economics or M.A. Mathematics in Finance. I have also looked into Stanford's Masters in Financial Mathematics and LSE MSc Finance. </p>
<p>Are there any schools with a good masters program in economics (not phd)? Also, are there any MBA programs that pick students straight out of undergrad? </p>
<p>Masters degrees aren’t simply about learning. Learning is great and that should be a motivation, but the purpose of a master’s degree is to get a job that requires one. So don’t go to graduate school simply because you want to - go because you have a purpose in mind for that master’s degree.</p>
<p>With a 3.7 no school will be a reach for you solely because of your GPA. A 3.7 is a very solid GPA for any master’s programs, even the top tier ones.</p>
<p>Also, if you are interested in economics, be sure that you look into terminal MA programs intended for people who plan to take the MA into the workforce. Many (most?) economics programs are targeted towards people who want to study the science of economics and plan a PhD; you sound like you want to work.</p>
<p>However, you will not be competitive for the best MBA programs without any work experience. Even if you do get in (which is unlikely, unless you are an exceptional candidate with significant internship and leadership experience at places like Stanford that set aside just a few slots for straight-from-undergrad applicants), most MBA classes are intended for people who have work experience - typically at least 2 years, but more commonly 5+ - who are going to build upon that experience in the classroom. And as polarscribe said, no one wants to hire an MBA with no work experience. If you know you want an MBA, work first. In finance some prior work experience would also be helpful for admissions. In economics and mathematics, it isn’t necessary, but if you are planning a career in the financial sector it may be worth your while to work for 2 years or so before getting a masters. There are many ways to develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of your field, and working is one of those ways. You can learn things working that you will never learn in the classroom.</p>