<p>Hello Everyone
I have found this forum incredibly helpful in researching the nitty gritty truth about graduate school programs and getting a real unrehearsed perspective for fellow graduate degree seekers. </p>
<p>So this is my bit:</p>
<p>I have been accepted to the new development practice MPA program at SIPA. When I applied to school I didn't even think that I would get into Columbia and now I have. Not only that but I received a fellowship as well. After really researching the MPA in development practice, which I would be the first cohort of, I think that I would prefer the MIA degree. Now, I have no idea if SIPA allows students to switch from one to the other. I really am interested in international development from the bottom level up, but the subject matter is restricted to applied sciences and really doesn't allow for any choice. I want to study urban and social policy which I will not be able to do in this degree program. What should I do?? I have yet to go to the open house, maybe I will feel more comfortable in my decision after that...but has anyone ever switched degree programs??</p>
<p>I've also been accepted to Syracuse Maxwell IR and Brandeis MA Sustainable development but Columbia is my dream.</p>
<p>Any ideas?</p>
<p>Lennon - you can’t switch degrees, you must reapply.</p>
<p>A few thoughts</p>
<p>1) If you have fellowship, it is very rare in SIPA, means they like you a lot too.
2) MPA DP is a very solid program at SIPA that uses a lot of SIPA’s strengths (Earth Institute, etc.)
3) In all honesty most people do not highly rate MPA programs at SIPA in part because SIPA made its name as an international affairs school, that being said the MPA programs truly are just as strong and are often undervalued. One thing to know is that you should sell that you went to SIPA over what program you went to after you graduate because it is not as well known as let’s say an MPP from Harvard, but training is similar. But you have time to figure that out.
4) I am mixed about how I feel about policy schools because on one end they do teach you things, but most people only use the degree as a launch pad rather than the coursework. It is really short (maybe 16 classes total with many core courses) and so even if you are curious about urban and social policy you will NOT have the opportunity to focus on it even in the MIA. If you are truly curious about studying policy, I would suggest the PhD in Sustainable Development, or any other number of social science degrees.
5) In the end though my suggestion is the following: go to SIPA (if you so choose) and use its networking opportunities to land great International Development internships and jobs - it will take you farther than Maxwell or Brandeis. The coursework will be fine if even a bit tedious for what you want to do. But you will be a) in New York City, b) at Columbia - and the opportunities you seek career-wise will line up. For a masters policy program in international development - SIPA is the best place even if the actual program you attend is not quite the ideal fit.</p>