<p>Hi guys I'm struggling btw Rice and Berkeley. I'm planning to study econ/ business.
I know that Berkeley's Haas School is more prestigious, and at the same time more competitive, but would you say that Rice is top notch? How is the quality of courses there?
I've also heard of the study abroad program to London School of Economics, so I'm wondering if it can compensate for Rice's weakness in business?</p>
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<p>Rice does not have a undergraduate business degree.</p>
<p>Oops sorry I should have used more precise words.
I mean that can the program at London School of Economics compensate for Rice’s lack of business degree?</p>
<p>And how are the Econ classes at Rice?</p>
<p>The program in London is economics related, not business. The two have some overlap but are quite different. So, the answer is no, they do not compensate for each other.</p>
<p>Based on what I have heard from companies and venture capitalists, an undergraduate business degree is not going to help you very much. Business is about selling, marketing, trading etc. however you need a commodity or knowledge to trade, market and sell. It is most beneficial if you get a degree and work in a field, gaining knowledge and then get an MBA. Then you can apply your business knowledge to an industry you know and understand. There are two groups of people in a business consulting firm, those who stand and give presentations and those who make the decisions based on strategic insight and knowledge of the industry. The latter type is sought after. For this reason, many top MBA programs require work experience. </p>
<p>The Econ program is decent at Rice. I would definitely recommend Math-Econ, which is more in depth and analytical. From the website</p>
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<p>In summary, make your decision based on your primary degree, such as Econ. Business is a good second degree or minor and, in my opinion, is not very important or career-defining at the undergraduate level.</p>