<p>I thought I'd chime in concerning the strength of international affairs/relations programs in the U.S. I am currently a second year Master's candidate at American University SIS, so interpret that fact as you wish. </p>
<p>However, my rankings are based on my objective interpretation of which programs prepare graduates for a professional career in international affairs (and not public affairs or policy analysis). Factors I have considered are the number of notable alumni prominent in international affairs academia, school connections in the workplace, and breadth of academic specialization. Also, this list is to be strictly interpreted as the strength of each respective school's Master's program, not PhD.</p>
<ol>
<li> Johns Hopkins SAIS</li>
<li> Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy</li>
<li> Georgetown Walsh School of Foreign Service</li>
<li> Columbia SIPA</li>
<li> George Washington University Elliot School
American University School of International Service</li>
<li> Syracuse Maxwell School</li>
<li> University of Denver GSIS</li>
<li> Yale CIAS</li>
<li> University of Pittsburgh GSPIA</li>
<li>UC San Diego </li>
</ol>
<p>For Master's programs specifically tailored to prepare graduates for policy analysis with the opportunity to additionally focus on international affairs, the list may be markedly different.</p>
<ol>
<li> Harvard Kennedy School</li>
<li> Princeton Woodrow Wilson School</li>
<li> Duke Sanford School</li>
<li> University of Maryland </li>
</ol>
<p>Comments, questions, and objections are welcome.</p>
<p>Have to concur with hillbilly out of self-interest, as I'm accepted to JHU-SAIS next year (Fall 2006)...deferred one year. It was the only IR program that I applied to...the rest were Public Policy schools.</p>
<p>I'm starting to have second thoughts because the cost is HUGE. I'm staring $110,000 in student loans in the face, and an opportunity cost of $180,000 because I'm quitting my current job. Employment prospects after graduating with a IR/MPA (from Syracuse) are decent, but I'll only be making somewhere between $50K to 70K to start, if I work for World Bank or State Dept....which is where I want to end up. But, I'm passionate about the IR field so I'm willing to incur the debt load if that's what it takes.</p>
<p>So, I'm researching alternative grad schools which would cost less and provide an opportunity gaining international work experience (all of mine is domestic) prior to graduation through mandatory or more structured internships. So far, Woodrow Wilson, Syracuse, and Tufts all look intriguing. Any other suggestions?</p>
<p>And in general, what's the take on less expensive, but still competitive schools versus going to the cream of the crop?</p>
<p>Not sure that a few blocks makes that much of a difference Hoo. GW may be closer to the institutions, but SAIS's reputation makes the walk/train ride worthwhile.</p>
<p>how about NYU does it have a good IR program? Its in the middle of NYC and the UN is right close to it possibilities of getting interships at the UN are likely</p>
<p>NYU doesn't have much in the way of IR, but its an amazing location (I love the Village!). Their Wagner School of Public Service is very domestically oriented...but they're trying to branch out into international. NYU probably has a Poli Sci track that is international, and cultural studies, etc... but I don't think they have an IR/IA program. If NYC is the place to be, then there is no beating IR/IA at Columbia (SIPA). NYU is not exactly inexpensive anyway. NYU, Columbia, and SAIS are all about the same cost, at ~$30,000/year in tuition and at least $15,000-$20,000 to live decently. S*cks that you have to go so far into debt to do something good for the world. </p>
<p>Woodrow Wilson seems to be the only school that is both well respected and provides substantial aid for nearly all of its students on the premise that it will enable its students to go into Public Service instead of selling out to Wall Street after graduation.</p>
<p>i don't know if this matters all that much in the scheme of things, but i stayed at american university for two weeks, and their dorms aren't that great. i mean the size is ok but they feel kind of gross.</p>
<p>My understanding is that international law specialists get first jobs similar to any other law student...typically at domestic firms doing domestic law type work until they've gained a lot of experience. International law issues are left to those attorneys who either have experience working in the international arena or many years at a domestic law firm. The NGOs, IGOs and IFIs are all VERY selective about the legal counsel that they hire...check the hiring requirements for international lawyers at some of these institutions. That is basically why I've selected a joint Masters in IR and MPA program. At least that can get you in the door at these places. Having said that, there are some amazing jobs in international law for those who have the patience to pay their dues (human rights, business, trade, government, intergovernmental, development, conflict resolution, treaty negotiation...you can pretty much specialize in any of these fields). I'd recommend an IR degree supplemented with a law degree if you want to practice international law...otherwise, what sets you apart from every other idealist who wants to save the world. You gots to have the Skillz yo!</p>
<p>Hey, no one answered my last question: Would you choose the top school in IR (e.g., SAIS) and graduate $110,000 K in debt or a mediocre IR school (e.g., Syracuse or Woodrow Wilson) and graduate with half the debt? Why?</p>
<p>First off, I'd say that Wilson is hardly "mediocre" (but again, I'm at CC, where only top 5 or top 10 aren't). Regardless, I would choose the school that offers me the best combination of funding and experience. If it happens that the higher ranked school will be better for me, despite the bill, I'd go there. If the lower ranked school is better because of the bill, go there. And so on and so forth. </p>
<p>Don't look at these things in a bubble. Look at them holistically and as you would as an adult in the working world.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback UCLAri. I was trying to get at that wholistic approach in an earlier post, but my question ended up being a paragraph long, hence, no response.</p>
<p>I definitely want international work experience as part of the school experience, which actually makes Syracuse look pretty attractive (along with the potential for a two year joint IR/MPA at Syracuse). But, I also feel like the prestige that comes with a degree from the top schools goes a long way toward opening up job opps once school is over whether through alumni connections or name recognition alone. </p>
<p>Anyway, my biggest concern is that I don't spend $110,00 and end up with a piece of paper, lots of knowlege about the world, and no job. I know it's an irrational fear, given the schools that I'm choosing from but nonetheless...I haven't changed jobs in 11 years, so it's scaring the cr@p out of me.</p>
<p>Here's my actual dilemma, SAIS offered a nominal ($5,000) fellowship, probably to make me feel like I wasn't getting totally r@ped, and they practically run the World Bank, which is where I want to work. Whereas Woodrow Wilson would probably finanance most of my education, but I would have a tougher time getting to World Bank. I'm sure there are other cool jobs that I could get after graduating from WW or Syracuse though.</p>
<p>I just wanted to chime in here on this discussion. I'm currently a master's student at SAIS and I'm very gratified that most people on this board seem to agree that there is value in the program. I agree absolutely and I wanted to add some slightly non-PC comments. In undergrad it may not matter as much, but as a graduate student I really believe that you owe it to yourself to go to the best school that you get into. The boast that you give to your career is immeasurable. The higher you get, as unfair as it might be, the more opportunities you are offered, the higher you can climb. Because this is true not only for you, but for all the people that have graduated before you, your alumni network will be that much stronger and that much more impressive. The reputation your school attracts fast-tracks you in the job world as well. You enter an interview and the person asking you questions will usually hold certain assumptions about you based on your program. If you have gotten into a good school then you are <em>already</em> assumed to be smart, talented and dedicated. People want to tell themselves that it doesn't matter, but I really don't think it's true. A second rate grad school will usually lead to a second rate career. Not always. But often. I say this not only as someone who has spent a year in grad school and heard all about the rankings and the stigmas attached to each school, but also as someone who is dating an ivy-leaguer and been astounded by how many networks she has access to. I just hope that SAIS will get me where I want to go.</p>
<p>Oddly enough, I agree in part. My UCLA degree has only helped me, and I shudder to think how much harder some of my paths may have been if I had instead gone to a Cal State.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, it still may pay to save money, because no matter how much we like to think that SAIS will offer the best job (and it probably will), a huge debt may actually cancel out the income boost in the long run. It's no fun spending the next 30 years of your life paying of $100,000 in loans if you only get another $50,000 out of your better degree.</p>
<p>But, I do agree with Townsend, and urge you to consider the best ranked program.</p>