The 1st Year Fall Quarter Mix
The selection or mix of classes for Rady’s 1st year fall quarter is by no accident. These are the core disciplines pivotal to any business school program. The full-time sample curriculum is posted on Rady’s information site, but I want to give my perspective on each.
Managerial Economics or “Econ” – As an economics major, I enjoy this class. It is a great refresher for all of the microeconomics classes I took. There is definitely some math in it, but the concepts are almost intuitive in nature. I especially like the class’s focus on real-world situations which were often missing in all of the calculus during undergrad.
Accounting – This class is focused on financial accounting, dollars, and the magical equation, Assets = Liabilities + Equity. If you can accept the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, you’re in good shape. There isn’t much math here, just memorization of accounting terms, rules and processes.
Quantitative Analysis or “Quant” – For all that love number crunching this class is for you. Excel skills will really come in handy also. Although some of the class’s exercises seem highly academic, I’m starting to see how “data as an asset” can really take firms to the next competitive level. Now, if I can get my Crystal Ball to work.
Leadership, Values, and Team Management or “Leadership Class” – Were you starting to think it was all about numbers? Business management skills are about both “quantitative” and “qualitative” decision making. This class focuses on the latter and on being an effective leader. Leadership class seems to go by the fastest, but maybe that’s because the class’s discussions are the most heated!
Overall, I think the fall quarter mix does a great job of exercising the brain in all different directions. I’m looking forward to the Winter quarter.