I’m very interested in data science as a career path and also know that UChicago’s specialty is in economics.
After doing a quick lookup on linkedin and UChicago’s career page, it looks like tons of UChicago grads end up on Wall Street or at top consulting companies. I’m interested in pursing data science/machine learning or management consulting at a top company like McKinsey. I’m also open to getting a phd in econ/stats/math after undergrad.
Couple questions –
- How does UChicago fare in more tech-related roles – specifically data science?
- Given the core requirements, would I be free to take classes in comp sci, stats, econ while also doing a few finance and strategy classes at Booth?
- I’m kind of indifferent with regards to humanities and neither love them or hate them. How would I feel about the core?
- Is the Econ with Specialization in Data Sci degree the best for my goals? What is everybody’s overall opinion about this degree?
I’m deciding between UChicago, Penn CAS, Brown, and U of Michigan (in-state). So maybe answer my questions in that context if you can?
I’m going to offer an answer on #3 that will be different than the standard song you’ll hear from most people associated with UChicago. The standard position is that the Core is integral to the experience and you must love it to love UChicago. I don’t think that’s necessarily true, especially for more analytical types. My son, like you, is indifferent with regards to humanities; while he accepts the general theory that a broad education provides intangible benefits, he has no great love of or draw towards what he considers the nonessentials. It was one of his few reservations about UChicago and he initially viewed the Core as something to endure rather to embrace. He’s partway through his first year and he’s still not a Core lover, but he’s finding it more interesting and less of a chore than he initially feared. Partly because he’s finding the variety of possible courses is wide enough that he can find some of interest, but partly because he understands that taking a few courses he wouldn’t have chosen is a small price to pay for access to all the other amazing things the college offers.
TLDR - you may or may not love the Core. If you don’t, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker.
The degree you would actually be getting at UChicago is a BA which is a liberal arts degree. Therefore, you will have plenty of opportunity for electives in C/S, stats, econ (if you choose another major), and so forth. The Core will require nine non-STEM courses plus up to three quarters of F/L - not at all arduous compared to liberal eds at many other colleges (top or other). The Core is distinctive due to 1) the strict sequences required and 2) the level of rigor. I’d also add 3) the variety, as there is a pretty broad range of selections for such a strict requirement. The purpose of the Core is to train the brain to think in a variety of academic disciplines, in keeping with the idea of providing a liberal education. You can read all about the Core here:
http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/thecurriculum/
Your major would actually be Economics and the “angle” would be Data Science. If you want to pursue the subject of Economics you would be in the right place at UChicago and well primed for a variety of top jobs or grad school. If you wish to consider a PhD in Economics, you should follow the advice on the Economics major page. As to taking courses in Booth, the primary group who would have that access would be those specializing in Business Economics.
Read all about Economics and the various tracks and specializations (including preparation for a PhD) here: http://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/economics/
Those not specializing in Business Economics may still have a limited opportunity to enroll in Booth courses. Here are the guidelines, and you will wish to discuss this further with your advisor: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/programs/taking-courses-at-booth/undergraduate-students
Finally, keep in mind that it’s quite possible within a liberal arts program to supplement your major with other courses of your choosing - either a double major, or a minor or two, or a variety of electives. So, for instance, if the best opportunity for you to access Booth is via the Business Economics specialization, you should be able to superchange it with plenty of math, c/s, stats and other courses offered as part of the Data Science specialization. An Economics degree with emphases in business and data science might prepare you for pretty much for any of your ultimate professional goals.