<p>It'll be difficult to get into a top IR program straight out of undergrad, regardless of what major you are. Being a mass comm. major, it'll probably be tougher.</p>
<p>With that being said, the top schools heavily emphasize work experience - I know the average age of a new student at SAIS is 27, meaning roughly 4-5 years of work experience out of college. If your work experience is in the field of international relations or studies, then I don't think your Mass. Comm. major will be a problem with you getting into some of the top programs. Your GPA Is excellent, make sure to study for the GREs hard, and get some meaningful work experience.</p>
<p>Your major won't affect you much, if at all. It's obvious that your life has taken a more international turn over time. I know plenty of people here at IR/PS who did not major in something even remotely related to IR.</p>
<p>Your one year of work experience in HHS will definitely help, but one year is not usually seen as "enough." Granted, a high GRE score may help out. I'd say that you'll have a shot at at least one of the top 10 programs.</p>
<p>UCLAri (and anyone else you?d like to chime in),</p>
<p>I would really appreciate your insight on my grad school options.</p>
<p>I am 29 and have 7 yrs Wall St. experience. I want to pursue a career in public policy or international relations but I'm not exactly sure what job title I'm after upon graduation. Of the 2 choices (MPP or MA in Int'l Relations) I'm slightly more interested in Int'l Relations. I got rejected at all the biggest Intl Relations schools, probably because I have no experience abroad nor do I speak a 2nd language, and I botched the GRE math section. I'm left to ponder these programs:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>UC San Diego (MPIA) - PROS: Language classes built into program; allows for a regional & career track concentrations. CONS: May be too restrictive since it's only LatAm and Pacific Rim focused; minimal networking opps outside of NY/DC; core courses are puzzling: Accounting? Finance? 2 Quants? Seems like MBA program.</p></li>
<li><p>American School of Public Service (MPP) - PROS: DC networking opps; better name recognition than UC San Diego. CONS: the public policy program isn't as exciting to me as UCSD (I got rejected at American SIS so that?s not an option). </p></li>
<li><p>Syracuse (New dual degree program called Public Diplomacy would give MA in Int'l Relations and MS in Public Relations) - PROS: Two degrees which complement each other very well; internship in summer and DC workshops for the entire final spring semester. CONS: Town is middle of nowhere; since it's a dual degree, there's no chance for an Int'l Relations concentration so I?d only get the core classes at Maxwell and the rest of my time would be spent in Newhouse School of Comm.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>MPP vs. MA Int?l Relations (MPIA in case of UCSD): How important is this decision in terms of the type of jobs I?d be eligible for after graduation? I am interested in both but slightly more so in the latter. </p>
<p>I was also excepted into NYU for MA in Politics (concentration Int'l Relations), Seton Hall School of Int'l Affairs and Diplomacy, U of Chicago Harris (concentration Int'l Relations), and IU at Bloom MPA.</p>
<p>The IR/PS core classes may seem puzzling, but believe it or not, I've had many potential employers drooling over them. SAIS is also heavy on the quant, so don't be too surprised. I actually think that the heavy quant focus means that you have a lot more job options in the end. Even organizations like State and DHS want quant at times, so you won't find yourself totally wasting your time.</p>
<p>As for the degree name, I wouldn't worry much. But I'll let out a secret: there's talk here of changing the degree to an MA. But don't tell anyone. ;)</p>
<p>Really, when it comes to application time, nobody seems to care. None of my internship organizations seemed to care in the slightest. But now I have a few questions: What region are you interested in? What do you want out of the degree? What do you see this degree doing for you?</p>
<p>I didn't apply for any funding or financial aid (i assume that's what you're referring to=S?). I don't think they are terminal master's degrees..they are just regular IR undergrad programs. But then again I am not so sure what terminal master degrees are...lol. But how would you choose between the two, in terms of majoring in IR? I am fine with LA or NYU in regards to location. Thank youu!=)</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I'm interested in middle east, Africa, and to a lesser extent LatAm. At UCSD I'd be focused on LatAm...but this seems very limiting (i.e. what if there just aren't that many jobs out there which focus on LatAm given all the turoil in middle east or the rising tide in China). I am also interested in East Asia but I don't believe I could master the language requirements for these countries, one of the main reasons I selected LatAm at UCSD.</p></li>
<li><p>As for what I want out of my degree, I'd like to be an expert (or something approaching an expert) in a region of interest and a core discipline, particularily int'l politics. Most importantly, I fear going for a degree which will vastly limit my employment options, as I stated about RE: LatAm concentration. </p></li>
<li><p>What do I see the degree doing for me? Helping me pass the state dept FSO exams, for starters. I don't want to rely too heavily on this because I know only a small percentage of applicants become FSO's. So if I fail the application process at State Dept, then I would like to know there are ample opps for which I am qualified. My degree/internship will be my only experience because I worked on Wall St past 7 yrs and did nothing in an Int'l Relations capacity.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Lastly, as for my questions RE: degree, I should clarify. Master in Public Policy at American versus the other 2 Int'l Relations programs at Syracuse and UCSD. I wondering about whether employment opps would be vastly different if I studied Pub Policy versus Int'l Relations. These degrees, while different in some respects, seem quite similar in others. Would you have any advice on studying something slightly less desirable (Pub Policy) but which will offer the DC networking opps at American and the better name recognition of American compared to UCSD/Syracuse?</p>
<p>One more clarification RE: my future plans in the field. If FSO doesn't work out and an alt. career in diplomacy is unlikely (I'm an American and probably couldn't land a spot at the UN) then I'd like to do something involved with shaping foreign policy. Maybe working at a think tank or directly for a politician. I really don't have an interest in doing econ/develpoment, more foreign relations / policy, etc.</p>
<p>I know of at least one person who went Africa in this program. It might sound odd, but despite IR/PS's regional focus, it does a darned fine job of preparing people for almost any region.</p>
<p>The thing I'm finding the longer I'm in school is that regional focus is somewhat moot after a year or two. For example, one of the 2nd years here is working part-time over at SPAWAR (Navy intelligence sort of work). Within a month of getting there, he got a bunch of Southeast Asia stuff on his desk because he was the closest thing to an "Asia guy." He focused on Northeast Asia! Really, with the kinds of generalized skills you get here, you could position yourself in Africa quite easily. </p>
<p>The nice thing about going into IR is that the workforce is by nature eclectic. Your time on Wall Street will be seen as interesting, at the very least. I wouldn't worry much about jobs if you have trouble with becoming an FSO. Then again, I wouldn't worry much about getting a job in the field, either. If a young, no-proven-talent guy like me scored an internship with the State Dept. at 23, you'll manage. There are tons of jobs out there for you, but most of them aren't very visible. I'd definitely be willing to help you follow some leads no matter where you go. :)</p>
<p>I personally don't think that the PP vs. IR debate is very meaningful toward jobs. Every employer I've spoken with, with the exception of one person at the CIA, has said that they just want an MA from an APSIA school. This is not a field with a low tolerance for diversity, that's for sure...</p>
<p>Oh, and think tanks? Stay away unless you go for your PhD. I can elaborate more if you want, but suffice it to say that MAs almost always start of at sub-$30K salaries...</p>
<p>UCLAri (is Ari your name ?),
Do cany of these schools have a good IR/IS or even Poli Sci dept. with a good focus on the middle east ?
Wisconsin U, American, Ohio State, UT Austin, Indiana U, USC, U Miami, Clemson, MSU, UGA and last but not least Texas A&M.
This seems like an awful weird list for IR but that is just how the cookie crumbles haha.
Thanks !!!</p>
<p>I see a few familiar names in this thread, so those of you that have answered my questions in other forums, bear with me...</p>
<p>I was recently accepted to both USC and GWU, and am wondernig what the opinions are on the overall strength of the IR programs at these two schools, comparatively speaking...</p>
<p>While I've seen GWU undergrad IR consistantly ranked among the top 10 in various rankings by various people in this very long thread, I also want to take into consideration my undergraduate experience. It seems to me like USC is more of a cohesive environment and has a sense of community...I've heard from other people that at GWU there's no sense of unity... </p>
<p>While GWU may have an arguably better IR program, will going to USC, which doesn't have a bad program, adversely affect my chances of getting into a good IR grad school?</p>
<p>U.S. News ranks USC as being a stronger university in terms of undergrad (USC - 27, GWU - 52). As an IR undergraduate major, should this have bearing on my decision? Yes, GW has location location location, and is more well known for being an IR school, but again this is only undergrad. Is it flawed thinking to say "this is only undergrad?"</p>
<p>For some reason I see USC as being the stronger more prestigious school, but I can't get beyond the fact that GW is in the capital (I was admitted to Elliott School by the way...I suppose that's important to know). Maybe its because I grew up in CA that I'm mildly biased/ </p>
<p>I have no idea whether I want to go into business or policy or academics after undergrad, and in fact it doesn't really matter to me at the moment. Will going to GWU or USC offer me some advantage potentially in one of those fields?</p>
<p>As you can see I'm pretty muddled when it comes to making this decision...any insight will be much appreciated!</p>
<p>Have you visited both schools? Do you think either one would be a good fit for you?</p>
<p>I ask this 'cause if so, you are asking good questions, as I see it. If not, you are asking the wrong questions. I think you need to look at fit first. The Elliot School and USC will both give great opportunities, and if you do well, set you up for a lot of good things. So fit is first.</p>
<p>Now I am going to answer you assuming you have done all your other homework (at the very least visited both campuses) and figured out that either one could fit:</p>
<p>If you grew up in California, you should go to GW. It's really simple. First of all, you can have amazing internship and other kinds of experiences there. Secondly, you need to diversify your cultural experience. Go to DC and find out about a completely different kind of place.</p>
<p>USC is a great school. Certainly if you want to stay in California, it would probably be the better choice ultimately. But if as you said you want to go to grad school in IR and then go one to work in the field as a diplomat or some such functionary, I would go to GW and keep your focus and do a lot of things to build up your experiences and resume, things that would be hard if not impossible to do at USC.</p>
<p>I lived in DC for seven years and have spent a lot of time around the GW campus. I can't say it's my favorite place on earth. But the Elliot School has a great program, and I think is getting better and better.</p>
<p>That's my two cents.</p>
<p>For business, though, I'd give USC the edge. But did you get into Marshall, or even apply?</p>
<p>I have visited both campuses actually. I think both leave something to be desired,though USC's is an actual centralized campus (in the traditional sense) and GWU being more of a sprinkling of buildings hither and thither...I grew up in California and left to live in Memphis, TN when I was 11, plus I only lived in San Diego, so both LA and D.C. share the same exotic/new quality...I think you may have misunderstood my future intent, yes I believe I want to do IR in grad school, but as far as career direction I have no idea. I don't know if I want to go into the foreign service or business that's the thing. </p>
<p>You said you spent a lot of time around the GW campus, can you expand on that? I'm interested as to why it didn't quite strike you as great...I agree the Elliott School has a great program (and a new building), but do you think its so good that I should pass up USC? Again USC seems to have the stronger overall undergrad rep/program, though not neccessarily in IR. </p>
<p>And to answer your other question, i applied to USC's College of Arts/Sciences, and would then go on to their School of IR which is incorporated within the CAS. </p>
<p>Opinions of GW seem to vary from what you say happycollegemom to high praise, I'm having trouble discerning what's what...USC in general i haven't heard that kind of criticism of</p>
<p>mm yeah im kind of in the same situation deciding between usc and nyu for IR...and the only thing keeping me from nyu is their lack of of campus and lack of a college feel.</p>
<p>if anyone has any advice/input that'd be great :]</p>