<p>So, after much debate, consideration, and talking to a wide variety of people (from those who have worked in the field to economics professors), I think I have finally decided to pursue a master's program in development studies/international development. </p>
<p>I ruled out PhD programs because my first interest is not in academia. It would be nice, but I can't realistically see myself spending 5-6 years getting a doctorate, and I wouldn't want to undertake that kind of commitment without knowing that I would be able to handle it. Also, I don't think I could gain admission to most of the truly good PhD programs, since my economics and mathematics background is relatively.....weak (mostly lower-division courses).</p>
<p>I'm hoping some folks will comment on my general chances at top-flight programs like the London School of Economics, SAIS/Johns Hopkins, etc. I'm also open to comments on alternatives, like PhD programs (unlikely), other MA programs, or other paths that I haven't considered.</p>
<p>I'll be finishing school in August with a degree in political science and a minor in economics, from a reasonably good (but not top tier) large private university. The econ department is quite quantitative-oriented but because it's only a minor I don't have the same skill set that some have. My math experience is limited to a single class of calculus and the math required to get through undergrad-level economics courses and (wait for it...) the math learned in the political science department (alright, now laugh hysterically at poli sci students learning about chi square). </p>
<p>My grades are not great. My cumulative once I graduate will be 3.5 exactly, with slightly higher departmental. My last 4 semesters will be higher--some mistakes the first year of my studies are still taking their toll. I took nearly 6 years to complete school after entering as a second-semester sophomore, but I worked full time for 3 years in the middle (not in a related field--just in a dead-end job). Once I finally became motivated last fall I've been back in school full-time.</p>
<p>Once I finish I'm planning on completing an internship/fellowship for 6 months while applying to graduate schools for fall 2010. The fellowship involves research and publication throughout a 6-9 month period. </p>
<p>Anyway, all of this is just a roundabout way of asking about my potential for admission, and suggestions for alternatives. My Father worked in development economics for 30 years, but his advice has been--how should I put this?-- "less than helpful."</p>
<p>Any thoughts/suggestions? I'm happy to provide more information if necessary, but I think this is long enough for a start. I'm probably testing people's attention spans already. I have some options since I have an extra semester where I could take courses before starting the fellowship program. I could pursue a development minor at my university, or--god forbid--spend two semsters and complete a major in economics. I'm not sure what else I could do with that time other than work for a local NGO, and that's my fallback plan if I don't get admitted to the fellowship program in January 2010 (before applying for grad. schools).</p>