Yale MEM vs. Columbia SIPA MPA

[rockclimberenthusiast]

Hi everyone, 

I'm new here but I wanted to get your thoughts on what program I should go for (commitment will need to be made in the month). I have a background in policy but want to venture into the environmental/business field and I've narrowed down the likely programs I'd go to: YSE MEM or Columbia SIPA MPA.  I'm not going to disclose any funding details as they are pretty equal, so I want to ask about the quality of the programs, specialties (if any), strengths, student life, etc.

For Yale, I'm hoping to specialize in Business/Environment but I'm afraid that I lack scientific knowledge/skills for the courses and perhaps it leans more toward sustainable/environment. But obviously it's a reputable place to go for the environmental field. 

For Columbia, I'll concentrate in EE but I'm afraid I'll be pigeonholed into policymaking, but perhaps my impression of the programming is wrong. From what I hear, they're quite strong in the energy field and having a big network can be helpful — especially if I don't know exactly what I'd like to do in the environmental/energy field.

Any and all insights are super helpful, thank you in advance!!

[Boolakanaka]

8 hours ago, rockclimberenthusiast said:

Hi everyone, 

I'm new here but I wanted to get your thoughts on what program I should go for (commitment will need to be made in the month). I have a background in policy but want to venture into the environmental/business field and I've narrowed down the likely programs I'd go to: YSE MEM or Columbia SIPA MPA.  I'm not going to disclose any funding details as they are pretty equal, so I want to ask about the quality of the programs, specialties (if any), strengths, student life, etc.

For Yale, I'm hoping to specialize in Business/Environment but I'm afraid that I lack scientific knowledge/skills for the courses and perhaps it leans more toward sustainable/environment. But obviously it's a reputable place to go for the environmental field. 

For Columbia, I'll concentrate in EE but I'm afraid I'll be pigeonholed into policymaking, but perhaps my impression of the programming is wrong. From what I hear, they're quite strong in the energy field and having a big network can be helpful — especially if I don't know exactly what I'd like to do in the environmental/energy field.

Any and all insights are super helpful, thank you in advance!!

I would lean to YSE. I think the depth of the education and its intersection with the SOM are more aligned with your objectives. Also, if you decide you want to do a dual degree at SOM, you can apply during your first year. Last, I teach there and thus biased--wink.

[rockclimberenthusiast]

3 hours ago, Boolakanaka said:

I would lean to YSE. I think the depth of the education and its intersection with the SOM are more aligned with your objectives. Also, if you decide you want to do a dual degree at SOM, you can apply during your first year. Last, I teach there and thus biased--wink.

Ah thanks for your input! I unfortunately did not take the GRE/GMAT so I'm not sure if I'll be able to prepare and take the exam in time haha (I'm horrible at standardized tests).

But based on your teaching experience there (I'm assuming SOM?), how's the community like? Are there certain specialties or areas of strength the program has, especially at the intersection of the environment? I'd love to immerse myself a bit more in the innovation space or sustainable development. 

TYSM in advance! 

[Boolakanaka]

41 minutes ago, rockclimberenthusiast said:

Ah thanks for your input! I unfortunately did not take the GRE/GMAT so I'm not sure if I'll be able to prepare and take the exam in time haha (I'm horrible at standardized tests).

But based on your teaching experience there (I'm assuming SOM?), how's the community like? Are there certain specialties or areas of strength the program has, especially at the intersection of the environment? I'd love to immerse myself a bit more in the innovation space or sustainable development. 

TYSM in advance! 

Actually, I'm at YSE and YDS.  Your fear is common to many students who have test anxiety, but I am confident you would be able to do it.  While I am not formally at SOM, we have many partnerships and collaborations with the school--it's very collegial. Of all the top B programs in the nation, SOM has a historical and present commitment to non-profit, non-finance (though if finance were your goal, you would get a fined education there) and thus is uniquely placed to operate in the sectors of conservation/environment.

[rockclimberenthusiast]

1 hour ago, Boolakanaka said:

Actually, I'm at YSE and YDS.  Your fear is common to many students who have test anxiety, but I am confident you would be able to do it.  While I am not formally at SOM, we have many partnerships and collaborations with the school--it's very collegial. Of all the top B programs in the nation, SOM has a historical and present commitment to non-profit, non-finance (though if finance were your goal, you would get a fined education there) and thus is uniquely placed to operate in the sectors of conservation/environment.

That's awesome to hear, thanks! The definitely appeals more re: non-finance specialty because most B schools are concentrated more in finance/consulting, with marginal differences among different programs, of course. Perhaps in the future when I have more work experience...

As a professor at YSE, do you see students with non-scientific backgrounds struggle with the coursework there? I'm a bit scared of the MODs/Interdisciplinary Conversancy/any required science-focused coursework but to some degree I'm sure I'll be able to curate my coursework based on the specialization I choose. 

[Boolakanaka]

1 hour ago, rockclimberenthusiast said:

That's awesome to hear, thanks! The definitely appeals more re: non-finance specialty because most B schools are concentrated more in finance/consulting, with marginal differences among different programs, of course. Perhaps in the future when I have more work experience...

As a professor at YSE, do you see students with non-scientific backgrounds struggle with the coursework there? I'm a bit scared of the MODs/Interdisciplinary Conversancy/any required science-focused coursework but to some degree I'm sure I'll be able to curate my coursework based on the specialization I choose. 

It's funny, all non-science, non-quant folks all have the same trepidation and all do just fine. There is a reason YSE took such care and time with your admission process--you are more than up for this challenge.

[rockclimberenthusiast]

7 minutes ago, Boolakanaka said:

It's funny, all non-science, non-quant folks all have the same trepidation and all do just fine. There is a reason YSE took such care and time with your admission process--you are more than up for this challenge.

Hahah alright, thanks for the confidence boost. Would it be too much to ask what course you teach? If I accept, I'm just curious what the probability will be that I'll be in your classroom haha. 

On a different note, I will be going to the Open House later this month to envision myself on campus and get a feel for the community so maybe I'll run into you there!

[Boolakanaka]

4 minutes ago, rockclimberenthusiast said:

Hahah alright, thanks for the confidence boost. Would it be too much to ask what course you teach? If I accept, I'm just curious what the probability will be that I'll be in your classroom haha. 

On a different note, I will be going to the Open House later this month to envision myself on campus and get a feel for the community so maybe I'll run into you there!

I will reach out to you later, as I prefer to preserve some element of anonymity.