<p>OK...any input would be incredibly helpful. </p>
<p>I'm an IR person, seeking a master's only but intent on going to policy school for an MPA in the future. After that I plan on entering the work force as an analyst or in some other role working for an IO/NGO/ foreign policy think tank . Ideologically, I enjoy working in both the theoretical as well as quantitative orbits of IR (this may become important in helping me form a decision). </p>
<p>Anyway...I've been accepted into U of Chicago's Committee on International Relations. I've also gained admission into NYU's Politics Department as an IR masters candidate. </p>
<p>With that said, I'm stuck. </p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice in forming this decision</p>
<p>Well, I'd e-mail the depts. and ask how much luck they have with placing grads in the kinds of careers you're interested in. I've found that the best way to get a decent job in the think tanks is connections (this is from my time in DC, and talking to people). See what kinds of internship programs they both offer as well.</p>
<p>And whatever you do, don't pay full price if you don't have to. IR MAs don't offer the income gain to be worth $80K in debt.</p>
<p>If you have any questions, feel free to email or IM me. For the record, I'm attending UCSD IR/PS, but also was accepted to NYU and a few others.</p>
<p>I'm going to UChicago, also the Committee on Int'l Relations next year :) I currently intern at a think tank in DC and I've been told that a UChicago degree will be good if I want to continue to pursue that path after I get my masters.</p>
<p>I don't know whether length is any consideration but Chicago is only one year and I assume NYU is two. That is one reason I chose Chicago. Also, where do you have more financial aid?</p>
<p>My situation boils down to the following dillema -- do I sacrifice attending an outstanding school (CIR -- Chicago) on the grounds that its focus is primarily academic, in favor of NYU, a strong school, because NYU puts emphasis on applying IR concepts? </p>
<p>I feel like NYU will better prepare me for policy school but the Chicago experience will give me a much greater and holistic understanding of IR (and IR theory, for that matter!)</p>