If she is really interested in a PhD in Econ, Wisconsin has two different tracks for the intermediate theory classes (one is math heavy). I believe that the other two have one.
2 Likes
I am not sure public policy people need a phd in econ.
1 Like
She is interested in working on the next generation of nuclear technologies currently being developed as part of a climate solution set – can do that at Madison. Not interested in working in or servicing existing plants. Materials science is related to this because there are more than a few materials issues that need to be resolved for some of these new nuclear techs to advance – some of that is happening at Purdue. Both of these are certainly more hands on than the associated policy angles that need to be resolved, which she is also interested in.
1 Like
True, she’ll be in first year engineering. But when you apply, you tell them what engineering you are interested in, but this is finalized 2nd semester.
Yes, FYE. And she could change, but when you apply, you tell them what you’re interested in. And she knows people in MSE who have been encouraging/helpful.
Depends where you want to be … think tanks or higher in gov’t, OIRA … helps – a lot. She has a long time before those paths are clearer, but wants to learn more and preserve options.
True. She is only interested in nuclear if it leads to developing the new technologies now being explored. Wisconsin (and Michigan - waitlisted) are both pretty good in terms of getting involved later in that work.
For some Purdue engineering majors, secondary admission to major is competitive. Nuclear and materials are less likely to be competitive, but you may want to find out from the departments and engineering division to be sure.
Note that Wisconsin has weed out requirements based on college GPA: Progression - College of Engineering - University of Wisconsin-Madison
1 Like
Good points. If she doesn’t do relatively well, she won’t like the course, and then she’ll likely decide to change majors.
One cannot start a program and assuming they won’t like the course. I think you go to the best situation you can be in. If you think it’s engineering, then go all in.
In the event the student needs to change, all three would be fine in Econ.
This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. If you’d like to reply, please flag the thread for moderator attention.