<p>From what I know, Sloan is a really good school with a well-known reputation, in the context of background when applying for future jobs. My question here is regarding the distinction between the undergrad and grad programs - if I were to double major in EECS and Management, would future employers see that I went to Sloan? Would they automatically connect a management degree from MIT as being from Sloan, or is the Sloan MBA really what is well-recognized? I'm considering going for an econ degree instead of a management degree, as one friend at MIT bluntly told me course 15 was "bs," but econ isn't in Sloan.</p>
<p>I think I might like econ more than management and both would be helpful in the area I'd like to find a career in, somewhere with business and finance. Regrettably, I'm considering the prestige in names as well since I fear they WILL matter when it comes to applying for jobs.</p>
<p>Both 14 and 15 have great reputations for undergrad education. The undergrad economics program has a reputation for rigor and technical excellence, and business is known to be one of the “best” programs in the country, and one of the most technical among undergrad business programs. As far as “objective”/publicly-observed measures go, the undergrad business program is tied with second in US News, behind Wharton, and if the subject comes up in interviews, you can talk about courses you took with Sloan MBAs. </p>
<p>One consideration is how much you’re interested in mathematics and a vanilla economics education, versus how interested you are in “soft” skills and a more rounded view of business. In economics, the core classes in economic theory and econometrics are obviously related to finance; the electives variably so. In Sloan, the core courses of course are more broad, and you can take electives related to finance and possibly some economic theory (although, as a double-major with EECS, this would be strenuous). </p>
<p>Another consideration is whether you plan to get an MBA. In economics jargon, an MBA is probably a “complement” to an economics undergraduate education, but a “substitute” to an undergrad business education, where courses would be very similar. That being said, an econ degree with a few select courses in management might allow you to reap the personal and career benefits of a solid disciplinary economics training, whereas a second business degree might be redundant. </p>
<p>A final consideration would be to pursue the Gordon Engineering Leadership program, which you should look up. This combines an engineering and business education with leadership training, mentorship, and programmatic support. </p>
<p>In terms of education and reputation, both are excellent. This may not be the clear-cut “answer” you were hoping for, but I hope it helps you make an informed decision. Let us know what you’re leaning toward!</p>
They would absolutely see that you went to Sloan – typically you’d have a section for education on your resume, and you would write “Bachelor’s of Science in Management, Sloan School of Management,” etc. But most/virtually all employers would know that Sloan is MIT’s school of management.</p>
<p>This isn’t really a question you asked, but AFAIK, as with many departments at MIT, there isn’t a huge distinction between the Sloan grad and undergrad programs. A friend of mine who was 15 made the comment that she wouldn’t go back to Sloan for her MBA, because it would entail repeating a large number of the courses she took as an undergrad.</p>
<p>And also because of the number of classes. Some doubles are easier than others because some departments have few required classes (e.g. 18 or 8B), or because some classes can be counted toward both degree requirements (e.g. 7/9). </p>
<p>EECS and management don’t have much overlap, so the double is difficult, though not uncommon.</p>
<p>I was thinking maybe I’d double major in EECS and Econ with management electives and then apply to Wharton for grad school. (Is it the college application process all over again? I guess having attended MIT by then will help?) That way, the MBA might not be as redundant and I’d get the chance to explore economics, which I’ve always enjoyed. My only fear is that I’m assuming I’d be able to get into Wharton, which is quite darn selective. Now that I’ve been accepted to MIT, should I seize the opportunity and take classes at Sloan? Is it common for MIT students to come back and study for an MBA at Sloan? Would it still be redundant if I were to major in Econ and then get an MBA?</p>
<p>As for course load, I think I’ll have enough credits by the end of first semester to get sophomore standing. That…should help with the double major?</p>
<p>Thanks for these amazing responses - I appreciate your taking the time.</p>
<p>I would certainly suggest you take courses that interest you, and majoring in econ while sampling from Sloan sounds like a great idea. Fortunately, these decisions are still a year or two away, so no need to think about this too much right now! </p>
<p>I’m not sure whether it’s common for someone with a SB from MIT to come back for an MBA. I suppose, like all things, it’s mostly more about fit; if you have a particularly good reason to come to Sloan, then you might convince them. IMO, it’s generally a good idea to expand your horizons, however. </p>
<p>An Econ major from MIT would certainly <em>not</em> be redundant with an MBA. The subject matter you learn in an econ program is strikingly different from that taught at business schools, where basic economics is just one disciplinary foundation for the more-applied curriculum. A rigorous training in economics is a bit “overkill” for the finance, accounting, and the game theory/industrial organization at b-schools, but also keep in mind much of the business world values soft-skills that might be easy to forget about given an economics training. Just something to think about…</p>
<p>I am less certain. When one hears “I went to Sloan” in the context of a management degree, I am thinking of an MBA, if only because and MBA is the only real management degree. Similarly if someone said that they “studied law at Harvard”, then the presumption is that they have a JD, LLM or SJD from the Harvard Law School, rather than that they were an undergraduate at Harvard and took some law courses.</p>
Keep in mind that I’m talking about anecdata, but my course 15 friends who have gone back for MBAs have gone back exclusively to Harvard Business School. But presumably not all of my classmates who will go back for MBAs have gone back yet – it’s typical to work for a few years before getting an MBA, rather than getting one right out of undergrad. </p>
<p>It’s my understanding that it’s rather difficult to get into an MBA program right out of undergrad with no work experience.</p>
<p>munchybunch- you should really look into the jerome fisher management and technology program at Wharton. This program is considered one of the highest and best in the country. It depends if you have a more “engineering” bent (then you would go to MIT), or are more interested in management and dealing with people (then you would go to Wharton). </p>
<p>I am applying to the M&T program at Wharton, and have already been accepted to MIT, and a considering doing the same double major that you are talking about.</p>
<p>@af33 - M&T is actually the only other program I’m applying to, but I like the MIT culture too much to give it up. My dad wishes I would decide otherwise, but it’s something I decided on a while ago. (Not to mention that M&T accepts only 50-ish kids a year… =/)</p>