The Hirshian philosophy of Torah Im derech eretz, as far I understand it, is that secular knowledge is valuable and should be learned as it ultimately derives from Torah and can be used to enhance one’s Torah learning and relationship with Hashem. There is a debate about whether R Hirsch intended this approach as a means to deal with the situation facing his kehilla at the time, or whether it was a l’chatchila for all times and places.
I am less familiar with YU thinkers, but I believe that the YU philosophy of Torah Umada sees Mada as a value in itself, separate from Torah, that should be mastered in order for a person to be complete.
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