<p>Soooooo....how bad would it look if I were to leave my current MA program, prior to completion, in order to pursue an MPP program that will better suit my future career ambitions?</p>
<p>My current program does give me a background in statistics and research methods, but nothing in policy analysis or economics, and I do not have much freedom in terms of electives to pursue something outside of my dept.</p>
<p>I just recently found an MPP program, through a former classmate from my undergrad institution and believe it will better suit my goals. </p>
<p>Will it reflect badly on me to an admissions committee that I left the program, or is it something I can address in my essays? I fully realize that the credits won't transfer, and that's OK since I am currently receiving a scholarship, but I'm just concerned in terms of being admitted to the program.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>How far along are you in your MA program? If you’re over half way done, you might consider finishing, then pursuing the MPP program. Considering you’re on scholarship for the MA program, you should probably finish.</p>
<p>There’s always time to rack up Masters degrees.</p>
<p>I am just starting (this week!). I settled on going to this program because of the scholarship, but I took a risk because many of my former professors told me it would not be the best route to take to get a position in public policy/administration. They said I would, professionally, be better off with a MPA/MPP.</p>
<p>If you don’t begin, then you won’t have a record of dropping out. </p>
<p>You might want to revisit your reasons for accepting the offer of admission and for dropping out. You might find that the program really is good preparation but that you’re just nervous at the expectations expressed at orientation. You might also want to consider why the program accepted you, with a scholarship. Is it because they have made a decision to strengthen the program? Or because they’ve added another dimension to it? </p>
<p>If after careful consideration you decide that you don’t want to be in this program, drop out now, before you finish a semester. If you discover that the program is right for part of your education (say, in tandem with an MPP), proceed through the program until you get the degree. Two years go by quickly.</p>