JHU MSM vs Columbia SUMA

Graduate School
1

The title^. I have been accepted to both programs, and I’m conflicted. The programs are very different, one being general marketing and the other being a specific industry-targeted program in science and management.

JHU Carey Business School MS in Marketing
Pros:
1.) The program is part of the business school
2.) Marketing degree can ensure a broader range of industries
3.) Global treks and immersions, opportunities to travel around the world and meet representatives of various companies. (However only 15 out of the thousands of grad students get chosen).

Cons:
1.) Baltimore. Dangerous and not as many opportunities as NYC.
2.) No fellowship opportunities. Although there are career fairs, many of the companies are not looking to recruit.
3.) V watered down program. (or so I heard from college forums)

Columbia MS in Sustainability Management
Pros:
1.) A combination of business management, policy and sustainable science. Very unique fusion that targets subjects I’m passionate about.
2.) Campus in NYC. Offers fellowship opportunities. Other strong career opportunities.
3.) Strong curriculum.

Cons:
1.) Not part of the business school. (I may not have the same resources that business students get)
2.) Very specific program. Hesitant about employment in this field.
3.) Night classes. (I’m a morning person). And many students in this program have had years of work experience, and as a 23 yr old with only internships under my belt I feel less competitive.

Thoughts? Thank you :slight_smile:

2

Do you have a preference of one job or degree over the other?

Honestly, I would go to Columbia just for the various opportunities within the school and NYC as a whole.

3

I’d say the SUMA is likely to be more beneficial if you already have an established career in the field. It likely won’t get your foot in the door the way a more general degree like the MSM would. My other concern about it is not so much that it isn’t offered by the business school so much that it IS offered by School of Professional Studies, which has a history as a continuing education program for working adults. My concern is that it wouldn’t be looked on as a “real degree” to the extent that the MSM would be.

Lastly, Baltimore. As the undergrads used to say to me when i was TAing at Hopkins: it’s like a fungus. it grows on you. You don’t want it to, but it grows on you.