Columbia MSOR VS University of Michigan Ann Arbor MFE

which one is better and why? It seems that Michigan's programis better but the location and reputation is not as good as Columbia? And is OR a well-known major to do right now? Thank you

6 Comments
 

I can attest that Columbia's engineering program overall isn't as top-notch as its prestigious name and legacy and some engineering courses are downright weak. But if you want to talk about specific programs, their quant programs are incredibly strong and challenging... I did both my comp sci undergrad and MSFE at columbia and for my masters, I had Emmanuel Derman as one of my profs (google him). I know you're inquiring about MSOR, but the two majors share many of the same students and professors. Columbia's MSOR has incredible placement rating with wall st firms. The only reason I would ever pick michigan over columbia is any difference in financial aid packages. columbia is mad expensive.

 
Best Response
NotaJackassI can attest that Columbia's engineering program overall isn't as top-notch as its prestigious name and legacy and some engineering courses are downright weak. But if you want to talk about specific programs, their quant programs are incredibly strong and challenging... I did both my comp sci undergrad and MSFE at columbia and for my masters, I had Emmanuel Derman as one of my profs (google him). I know you're inquiring about MSOR, but the two majors share many of the same students and professors. Columbia's MSOR has incredible placement rating with wall st firms. The only reason I would ever pick michigan over columbia is any difference in financial aid packages. columbia is mad expensive.
Thank you so much! I know it's really expensive to live in NY, but the cost in Michigan is very high too.. MSOR does share a lot of courses with MFE, and that's why I would like to go there. Personally, the program in Michigan seems better, but its just that the location and fame of Columbia seems to have an advantage. Anyways, I will really think about it. Thanks again!
 

I can't speak to the current situation as I left college 10 years ago, but I did my undergrad at Michigan's IOE department and my masters at Columbia's OR program. While it's not a true apples to apples comparison as one was a bachelors and the other a masters (and thus expectedly harder), I found the professors and resources/facilities at Michigan way better. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot at Columbia and found the exams/homeworks very hard, but the engineering school at UM is just way bigger and a relatively more important part of the overall university.

 
mtcI can't speak to the current situation as I left college 10 years ago, but I did my undergrad at Michigan's IOE department and my masters at Columbia's OR program. While it's not a true apples to apples comparison as one was a bachelors and the other a masters (and thus expectedly harder), I found the professors and resources/facilities at Michigan way better. Don't get me wrong, I learned a lot at Columbia and found the exams/homeworks very hard, but the engineering school at UM is just way bigger and a relatively more important part of the overall university.

Thank you so much! Personally, the program in Michigan seems better, but that the location and fame of Columbia seems to have an advantage. I am wondering which one would you prefer if you only concern about career development? Do you know if good companies come to Michigan to recruit?

 

Hard decision...but I would like to add that at Columbia you would be at a slight disadvantage during recruiting compared to the MFE students and you would also be in competition with the Mathematics of Finance students. On the other hand, at Michigan, there you be getting the best degree for financial engineering in the school.

 

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