With view toward Econ PhD, early B.S. + M.S. or four-year B.S. (+ M.S.)?

[jeffjeff]

Hi,

I've gotten into a situation that I was enthusiastic about, but now I've begun to doubt it. Here's the background:

I go to the University of Michigan, and after 3 years I've filled the (minimum) requirements for a B.S. in "Honors Mathematics" (pure math w/ trumped up name). I've been interested in Germany for a while, and I've applied to the M.S. in mathematics at the Technical University of Munich and at Heidelberg. My plan is to attend there, publish some research, and then apply to PhD programs in economics. I'm especially interested in LSE, and I have my sights on Chicago, MIT, and Berkeley.

However, a friend of mine believes that this might not be a good idea. His reasons:

 -- If I stick around at UM and get a more impressive B.S. (with more upper-level classes in my transcript) I'm a stronger candidate for master's programs and PhD programs.

 -- The German universities are not as prestigious as UM, and so my most recent degree will be weaker.

 -- Whatever research I do in Germany, it will demonstrate my limits as a researcher.

 -- It's an unconventional path, and so might be suspect.

 -- I'll be getting two weaker degrees (minimum requirement B.S. and less prestigious M.S.) instead of one strong one.

 -- After getting the B.S. from Michigan, I can still get an M.S. from somewhere else more well-respected.

On the other hand:

 -- It's an unconventional path, and as long as I do good research and explain that I wanted to live in Germany to gain perspective and experience, the unconventionality might be a good thing.

 -- Once I get the M.S., the details of the B.S. might be irrelevant.

 -- The M.S. in mathematics from one of these German universities might not be too weak for the econ PhD programs.

 -- Delaying graduation for an additional year after I have satisfied the requirements for my degree is expensive and time-consuming.

 

I really appreciate any input you can offer. I have to decide between staying in Ann Arbor for another year after making almost all the bureaucratic and social arrangements for graduation, and going off to do my master's in Germany as planned. So I'm happy for any help in making this decision.

[kd7432]

If you are set on an econ PhD I would recommend staying on for a year at UM and taking higher level econ courses (you've already more than met their math requirements I'm sure) and working with professors as a research assistant AND perhaps doing a dissertation. The latter two will get you research experience and letters of recommendation. 

I don't see the value of a MS in Math if you want to end up doing a PhD in Econ because that's another 5 years regardless of a Masters. Plus the US PhD is designed for you to join immediately or soon after a bachelor's degree. Hope that helps. 

[MastersHoping]

IMO, either one is fine if you want to get PhD in econ. Personally, I would go for the German master's. Especially since German universities are free for everyone, and presumably you have to pay something for UofM even if you're in state. Plus, it could be a really worthwhile endeavor from a personal development perspective (after having spent a year abroad!). I am also in a similar boat as you, for a different field. I got a masters before Ph.D, which both helped me get INTO a Ph.D program AND is helping to knock some of the credits out of the way for my Ph.D. The only difference is, I regret doing mine because of the cost and the cost alone. If you go to Germany, there will be no tuition costs for you. Good luck!