<p>Well, a graduate degree in Econ would lead you to become an Econ professor while with an MBA you'd more likely be working in ibanking or something like that.</p>
<p>Actually a grad degree in Econ can lead to an econonist position in Industry or Gov't or Think Tank kinda place. Few of the graduate trained economists are in education. I think we are talking theoretical v applied knowledge. Most investment firms have economists on board and they are not all business applied in their training.</p>
<p>As a note, on occasion, on occasion professors "screw up" in emails and adress undergraduates as "BBA" candidates, rather than BSE candidates.</p>
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However getting a BA in ECON doesn't make you more intellectual than a Wharton student. They are both intellectual, just different formats of learning.
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<p>While one is not better than another in an absolute objective sense, the above statement is misleading in my opinion. Intellect, by defition, is the ability to think abstractly, and this seems to be in direct opposition with the guiding spirit of Wharton, i.e. hands-on, practical learning. That is not to say that Wharton students can't be intellectual or take an intellectual approach to a Wharton education, but saying that they both require the same level of critical thinking and are hence both equally theoretical isn't quite right.</p>
<p>"saying that they both require the same level of critical thinking and are hence both equally theoretical isn't quite right."</p>
<p>You're saying that to have a high level of critical thinking, your curriculum must be theoretical. That is absurd. Wharton is all about critical thinking and analysis. Business is based on the theory of economics, Wharton students just don't spend 4 years theorizing.</p>
<p>I don't know if you are in Wharton or not, but if you are then perhaps you should wait until you've taken higher level classes or have more experience before you make judgments on how intellectual your academic experience is or how much critical thinking it requires. Being that you are a rising sophomore, I can't see that you've been exposed to much of the Wharton curriculum at all and therefore can't say much about how much critical thinking it actually entails.</p>
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If you're interested in economic Theory - wharton may very well be a turn off, since is it application and practical, rather than intellectual.
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<p>I believe the "intellectual" litmus test for laymen and other ciricles usually considers the preprofessional nature of the program.</p>
<p>Wharton is probably is among the most preprofessional programs in the American higher education system, particularly for undegraduates.</p>
<p>Wharton classes. Rigorous? yes. Challenging? Yes. Intelligent student body? yes . Intellectual? no. </p>
<p>Ultimately FNCE and INSR cannot be considered intellectual. IMO MGMT and OPIM fall into something of a grey area however.</p>
<p>I think both require intellect in the common definition of the word. Certainly the Wharton Economist would have greater preparation in accounting, finance, tax, corporate controls as they affect the balance sheet. An Econ degree would understand markets and models but perhaps, depending on electives chosen, would not be as familiar with the corporate financials....how to plan and project for specific goals. I think it is big picture in the sense of systems v small picture.</p>
<p>I agree they both require intellect, however, I think the real debate is whether they are fundamentally equal in their "intellectualism." Wharton provides the young businessman with the skills and tools necessary to suceed in the corporate world. Any way you slice it, you are getting a professional education. That doesn't sound like grappling the true nature of abstract ideas to me. Economics I feel is more intellectual, while Business fields are more practical. I mean cmon, Wharton can't be both intellectual AND practical at the same time, they are in a sense mutually exclusive. You can't have your cake and eat it too ;)</p>
<p>I just don't see that part of your discussion. I mean if one is working for a company and the job of the economist is to watch markets for planning or purchasing of strategic materials....that seems like both to me. Knowledge of a market and how to apply it to a specific industry. The finance/accounting guys will book the adventure but it takes both sides of the brain here.....not just one.</p>
<p>Alright hazmat you win this round, but we shall play again...</p>
<p>Just for the record, I was in a sense comparing the broad differences in a Wharton education versus a College education, not the actual real world (I live in a bubble, forgive me)</p>
<p>Hey nightmare this is not about a winner. Living in a bubble is okay too. I just don't see Economist as a one or the other kinda thing. I see that thru experience it is a dual discipline....I mean Greenspan is a classic example. So are the hedge folks...you have to see a demand, make a market and then watch the growth. You sound like you know a lot and you must be a Whartonite is that correct? Therefore I see that you have acquired the skill of a technician which is all the best. Hey.....I love meeting a bright articulate Quaker. A tip of Ben's Hat to 'ya.</p>
<p>Nah I'm in the College. I actually don't know a whole lot about economics, so I guess it's good to clear up some misconceptions</p>
<p>I think Whartonalumn is defensive that a Wharton BSE degree is not "intellectual" in the manner that say, studying math for the love of math or history is intellectual.</p>
<p>It can be argued that finance or accounting is intellectually pleasing, but that is certainly a stretch.</p>
<p>As a side note, Penn students in general aren't particularly "intellectual" - that this is a predominantly bad thing. Staying up late discussing philosophy and politics doesn't have any inherent worth over polishing your resume - unless you're a intellectual snob.</p>
<p>With that line of thinking, you go right from polishing your resume to polishing your boss's shoes ;)</p>
<p>It's cool to discuss politics and philosophy, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise...the only snobs are the ones who are unwilling to hear others opinions.</p>
<p>I think you misunderstand the spirit of my post.</p>
<p>Ah, well sorry then, my bad</p>
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<blockquote> <p>Staying up late discussing philosophy and politics doesn't have any inherent worth over polishing your resume - unless you're a intellectual snob.</p> </blockquote>
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<p>Have to love Penn's pre-professional nature!</p>
<p>Pre-professionalism is cool if someone is passionate about what they want to do for its own sake, and not as a means to an end.</p>
<p>Surely you jest? There is no such beast:: for the world knows that Wharton is #1 and for sure the Whartonites know this. They are primed for great success. Whether you judge their intellectualism or the applied technical skills...it all sums for a valuable end product.</p>
<p>Wharton is the Best!</p>
<h1>1 #1 #1 #1!</h1>