Got in NYU SCPS (MS in Global Affairs) & NYU Gallatin. Tell me about NYU!

College Confidential Community
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<p>Hello everyone!</p>

<p>I've been accepted in NYU's SCPS for MS in Global Affairs. I was really excited because I love their program. I've checked every small detail of it online and love the courses, the events, the LOCATION..etc. I love the fact that no statistical/mathematical courses are required, as opposed to SIPA or some of the other big schools, which I didn't even apply to. The only thing I didn't like is seeing that there aren't many reviews on it, and that when there were, it was about how SCPS accepts anyone and how its not a good school.</p>

<p>Later on I got accepted by NYU Gallatin, which made me feel a bit better because I heard that Gallatin is a good school (is it?). Now I'm a bit confused, as at first I preferred the idea of MS in Global Affairs under SCPS, that way I'd be involved in the Centre for Graduate Affairs, in the events, in the general life of someone who truly wants to study Global Affairs. But, if Gallatin is ranked higher, and I'd be able to specify my studies even further, then why not go to Gallatin? I could pick and choose the exact courses I want, and leave the not so fun courses I'd be required to take in the SCPS school. But maybe those courses that I dont want to take (such as International Political Economy, or other core courses that I probably would choose to substitute with other more appealing ones to me, such as human rights courses) might be benefitial and mandatory for someone who wants to practice in this area. In a way, SCPS has all what I want, required core courses that a practicioner in that field needs to have some knowledge of, concentration in human rights (or international relations) that have courses which really appeal to me, study abroad opportunities etc. But in Gallatin, I can specify things even more, I can take courses from the MA in Near Eastern studies and study about the human rights issues specifically in the Mid East, for example. </p>

<p>So, I just dont know...I know what courses I'd like to take, I just don't know if its a good idea to take them only. Maybe for someone who wants to work in the International Relations field, it would be better to actually be under that program itself. I really dont know, what do you think?</p>

<p>Also, I keep hearing people complain about NYU. In the US, I'm only looking at NYC and after Columbia (who I loved the idea of, but didn't apply to because I didnt like the quantitative courses), NYU seems to be second best in the area. I'm applying in London, and so far not accepted in any of the good schools. Which makes me wonder if NYU is that good...Getting my bachelors degree wasn't fun for me. I took stupid courses with the most careless, stupid people. I just dont want to go through that again, I really want to go to a good school. Would I get a good academic experience at NYU?</p>

<p>So, basically its 2 questions...What do you think of NYU? And if you think its good, what would you think is better in my case (SCPS or Gallatin)?</p>

<p>Comments greatly appreciated!!!</p>

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<p>bummppp :(</p>

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<p>You should be asking this question in the Graduate School forum.</p>

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<p>It is true that NYU Global Affairs does not have the most stringent admissions process. I cannot help you choose between two NYU programs because they are different. However, if you are interested in international relations I believe it is best to pursue a master’s degree within that discipline. </p>

<p>I am currently in my third semester at NYU Global Affairs and I am relatively content with the program. I was a bit reluctant to embrace it in the beginning because it is relatively new. If I recall correctly, it is less than 10 years old. It is not as well established as SIPA or Maxwell so it does not have the same brand recognition. However, since the program is relatively new it is evolving and changing for the better. You mentioned you would like to stay away from quants, which is understandable. However, I must warn you that the program will require future incoming students to take a quant course before graduation. This change was made to make graduates more competitive in the job market. Many employers hire graduates expecting them to have at least one or two quant courses under their belt. So if you graduate from NYU Global Affairs without taking a single quant course, it will raise eyebrows at job interviews and you will probably be outcompeted by those from SIPA and other renowed institutions. Lessening your stress by applying to schools that are not quant-intensive is one thing but you have to remember your goal after graduation is to find a job. </p>

<p>Since I do not know you personally I cannot provide you with a tailored advice. However, make sure you think about what your career ambitions are before you apply to graduate schools. Graduate school is expensive and requires one to be mature to reap the full benefits of it. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:kazuaki.mita@att.net">kazuaki.mita@att.net</a>. Have a good night.</p>