Is switching programs a good idea?

Graduate School
1

<p>I am currently in a political science MA program (with funding!) at a so-so graduate program, as I want to go into public management/policy. The program advertised itself to me as being directed with a more "applied" vs. academic focus, but I'm finding this really isn't the case now that I am here. They seem more aimed at being a stepping stone for PhD students.</p>

<p>There isn't a great deal on training for heavy quantitative methods/research exposure (there is only one required intro stats. class taught through the education school at a very basic level...along the lines of drawing bar graphs). When considering the school I was told it was flexible to study in other departments and take more sophisticated stats courses, but I'm finding out now that the more upper level stats classes are rarely offered. The next course in the sequence hasn't been offered in 2 years! The econ. department also restricts the ability of students outside of their program to take courses, particularly by requiring a number of pre-reqs before getting into more topic-specific courses (cost-benefit analysis, public finance/political economy), and I don't have that many electives.</p>

<p>I had previously spoken with my undergrad advisor who suggested that I instead pursue a professionally-directed MPA/MPP. I was accepted to a couple of programs last year, but none of them were going to provide me with financial aid, so I went with the program that would give me a full ride (rare in Master's land).</p>

<p>I am seriously considering re-applying to some MPA/MPP programs this year, but I'm wondering if my reasons for considering to leave are legitimate. In my SoP, should I be specific about why my current school just does not suit my academic/professional aspirations?</p>

2

<p>Switching programs in graduate school is rare, although there are some good reasons to do it. The problem isn’t the so-so aspect (which I read as not prestigious) but that you aren’t studying what you want to study. </p>

<p>You may get into the type of programs you want, but what happens if, once again, you don’t get funding? In fields/schools where most people are expected to pay, the lower ranked programs may offer FA to attract top students. If you aren’t at the top of the applicant pool, you are unlikely to get support – at least, not right away.</p>

3

<p>I am thinking I would be more willing to take on some debt in order to study what I think will best prepare me for work in my field. I have also been looking more into debt forgiveness programs for working in public service, which help when considering what I feel comfortable taking-on debt-wise. I really want to work in the Federal Government and I know how competitive that can be. My current school only really has connections in the immediate vicinity of where I attend. </p>

<p>I realize that if I do leave, most of my coursework would have been for naught. I already contacted a couple of schools I am considering and each said I may be able to get course waivers for classes like research methods, which would be helpful in allowing me to get extra electives if I so chose.</p>