<p>Torn between UCSD and Thunderbird (I know they are very different) but any thoughts?</p>
<p>Hey UCLA09,</p>
<p>I'm in the same boat as you. I've been accepted into Denver and Syracuse and still waiting on American and SAIS. What are your thoughts on Korbel and Maxwell? I have no idea but may figure it out on the accepted students weekends. Does anyone have opinions on the major differences between the two schools, especially in their focus or in the type of students they attract? I already know that Denver is a nicer city but that doesn't matter much for me.</p>
<p>Hey all,
I am curious for some advice. I looking to do an MA in IR. I am very interested in Conflict-Resolution as well as NGO's.</p>
<p>I have done a BA in Communication with a minor in Psych at Rutgers-NB and got a 3.3 GPA avg. While there i also took some courses in business including Accounting, Macro & Micro Econ, Stats.</p>
<p>I have also been working within the IT field for the last 8 years, (Since 17 , now 25). I have been interning, part-timing and now the last year full-timing at an advertising agency in NYC. I am looking to get out and move into IR. </p>
<p>I recently took the ASAT entrance exam for the UN so I could apply for the low level jobs. (G level) But so far have had no luck.</p>
<p>I am also very interested in India. I am a us citizen and have been to India several times. Twice to go study Indian Classical music, and recently getting married to an Indian resident. </p>
<p>...So Im trying to figure out two things mainly: One, what school to apply for Grad school. Second, what interships can i look at. </p>
<p>For grad schools, I have seen NYU, Columbia, Rutgers, FDU, Princeton. Although I'm not sure if I could afford some of them..</p>
<p>Also I was feeling to do some internships. Possibly interning in India at an NGO or an embassy would be a good idea? What other Internships shoudl I look at.</p>
<p>Also any other general advice to help me in a proper direction would be helpful. </p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>Jason</p>
<p>Hi
So far no comments on Virginia tech's MPIA program....it seemed to be very active forum initially</p>
<p>Does anyone know anything about Depaul's program in International Studies?</p>
<p>DePaul</a> University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: M.A. in International Studies Program</p>
<p>It's an APSIA Affiliate, but that's just about all I've been able to find out about the program. There really doesn't seem to be much information regarding placements, etc... out there. It's not the best program in the world, but given that I'm already in Chicago and my work situation would allow me to complete the degree without having to take out a penny in loans I'm tempted to give it a shot. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Panjshir,</p>
<p>I'm leaning towards DU right now even though both Korbel and Maxwell offer intl. security programs. I was viewing the core components for both security programs and while Maxwell offers alot of interdisciplinary core components, i.e, qualitative/quantative/intl. econ course, DU allows me to take more security specialized courses and less of the core component course that I would have to take at Maxwell. But I guess that its just personal preference.</p>
<p>VA09,</p>
<p>I've never heard of VT's MPIA program. But after viewing results of the top graduate IR schools, VT hasn't been ranked within the top 20 or 30s. So it might speak alot about the program.....or maybe not. I've never even heard of anyone on the IR posts even mentioning the program.</p>
<p>Joelh,</p>
<p>I don't know anything about the DePaul program. But if you want to stay in Chicago, you might want to lookin into the Council of IR @ Univ. of Chicago. It's on the ASPIA website.</p>
<p>I haven't heard anyone mention the new Bush School program being developed at Texas A&M. I almost applied to the program and now wish that I had. The cost is super cheap and the program is up and coming. While I am not a fan of HW Bush or W, the program looks good and the tuition is super cheap.</p>
<p>UCLA09,</p>
<p>Pick DU. I'm still waiting for Fletcher but even if they do admit me I'm thinking I'd rather go to Korbel. ALso - are you attending admitted student weekend at DU in April?</p>
<p>UCLA09
Thanks.Actually Virginia Tech's MPIA started in 2000 so I am not surprised that its not discussed much. I was exploring IR programmes for mid career professionals in DC area and stumbled upon VT's program.Options are SAIS and Elliot which offer 1 year MIPP programs or Georgetown's School of Continuing studies which offers MALS in IR.</p>
<p>I went to information sessions of these programs and got the impression that they are more networking places than rigorous academic programs. Good suits, artificial way of talking and exchanging business cards was important part of whole process.Though its not true for all professors but many of them would be more interested in finding a place in new administration than academics.</p>
<p>These are my personal views. No offence meant. May be I am wrong or looking at things from a different perspective.</p>
<p>I realised that Virginia Tech was different. They made it very clear that its a academic program.Professors were not dressed like CEO's and were simple.
Faculty of VT is very small but looked very dedicated. Programs director Dr Gerard Toal is considered one of the best academics in Critical Geopolitics.They have just 35 active students.</p>
<p>Your comments are appreciated... one more thing ...if someone has more than 10 years of relevant experience how much school's reputation matters.</p>
<p>UCLA09,</p>
<p>I'm an LBJ student, but also applied to the Bush School at Texas A&M. They had an interview weekend, so I spent a couple of days there and left with a favorable impression. You're right that it's a relatively new program, but they've got a brand new building with office space for every student and their career office seemed like they would do anything they could to be helpful. Also, they said that they will provide every out-of-state student with at least a $1000 laptop scholarship which is enough aid to qualify out-of-state students for in-state rates. So, my impression was positive.</p>
<p>I ended up choosing LBJ because, although the cost would have been similar, it was a more established program and I felt like fit in better there. The international affairs program at the Bush School seemed very focused on National Security and the students seemed pretty conservative overall. LBJ's international program seemed more balanced between security, diplomacy, and development and the student body is pretty liberal. So, it just felt like a better fit for me. </p>
<p>Just to add, I don't know anything about VT or DePaul's international affairs programs.</p>
<p>I'm surprised I've never been able to get anyone to comment on Thunderbird. I realize it is an MBA and not a MA in IR but if you look at their courses they are virtually the same.</p>
<p>Here is a listing of our core courses:
MBA</a> in International Management Course Descriptions / Thunderbird International Business School</p>
<p>Here are descriptions of our elective courses:
Course</a> Descriptions - Thunderbird</p>
<p>And their president is the head of the Inter-American Development Bank. An NGO a lot of MA in IRs want to work for...</p>
<p>Also, as decisions should have begun to come out, we should get some info going...</p>
<p>Crappy state school for undergrad -3.2 GPA
GMAT: 660
Two years solid work experience.</p>
<p>Only applied to UCSD and was admitted.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I realize it is an MBA and not a MA in IR but if you look at their courses they are virtually the same.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>There are similarities one could find between the curriculum you linked to and programs in international economic policy/what have you, yes, but IR is a very broad field, so it's unsurprising people here can't really comment on an MBA program - many people are interested in areas barely (if at all) related to international management.</p>
<p>"but IR is a very broad field"</p>
<p>I might have to disagree with this statement. The reason I might choose Thunderbird over UCSD (even though in IR UCSD has a much better name) is because I don't think they are that many jobs in IR. Additionally, there are VERY few jobs that an MA in IR could get over an MBA with an international focus. Overall, people like MBAs. Maybe you all disagree but I would love to hear about jobs that would not hire an MBA...</p>
<p>The one exception is research and academia. In which case you need a PhD, not a MA.</p>
<p>mv0027 - I'm not quite sure what you're disagreeing with. IR is indeed a very broad field, comprising everything from foreign policy (Capitol Hill jobs) to fair trade somewhere in the Latin American wilderness to female empowerment programs in Afghanistan to security & defense contractors for a whole host of agencies/organizations. To use the latter as an example, many contractors would prefer to hire someone with specialized experience/knowledge in security/defense issues within a particular region than a general MBA with coursework in global management. There would certainly be a lot of overlap when it comes to fields like microfinance, but if an organization is looking for an African security person, for instance, the MBA probably wouldn't help much.</p>
<p>Well, I'm not sure what you mean about security. All security contracts usually go to ex-military types. </p>
<p>I think you are correct with some of the jobs you mentioned (Afgan development) but not all (like the fair trade in Latin America). I'm confident an MBA will do you better if you want to do development work in the Americas. Additionally, the point I'm making is that the MA will only find you jobs in the non-profit world. An MBA will help with jobs in the non-profit world and private sectors. So, my fear with getting an MA, is that I will only be able to work in the non-profit world.</p>
<p>Most career positions in the federal government for to MPAs or lawyers.</p>
<p>Um, kigali is right. Private sector development jobs aren't after MBAs. (unless combined with other degrees/experience) Look at job listings for Chemonics, DAI, USAID contractors, etc.</p>
<p>MBAs are good for private sector development to run the books and admin...but that's about it.</p>
<p>
[quote]
All security contracts usually go to ex-military types.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Not necessarily. There are lots of MAIRs working for security or defense contractors without a military background.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'm confident an MBA will do you better if you want to do development work in the Americas.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Once again, "development work" is a very broad term. What will serve an applicant best in the international development world is a strong network of international development professionals and vast international development experience. Volscio summed it up perfectly.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Additionally, the point I'm making is that the MA will only find you jobs in the non-profit world.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Not at all. Aside from government jobs, there are plenty of MAIRs working in the private sector, in everything from political risk analysis to the financial services sector (AML, terrorist financing, etc). </p>
<p>
[quote]
Most career positions in the federal government for to MPAs or lawyers.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Once again, not at all. PMFs are routinely won by MAs. Positions at State and USAID are routinely acquired by MAs. Treasury, Justice, EPA and so forth all hire MAs. The Foreign Service obviously loves MAs. My point here is that you're laboring under a misconception of what the professional world looks like for MAIRs, particularly in DC.</p>
<p>is it difficult to get a job w/some of these places if you aren't ex-military? I know many of the top people in intelligence and security started off in naval intelligence or serving in some other branch (cool people like Jack Ryan). I'd consider joining the Navy, but I'm not exactly military material.</p>
<p>Any opinions as to how much army (intelligence branch) might help with grad school admissions and/or entry into the CIA or State Dept?</p>
<p>I believe it helps tremendously. But it depends on your military training and schooling. If you just commit for 4 years, I don't see how you'll have any specialized intel/mil. training or management experience to stand-out. Nevertheless, veterans get priority points for federal jobs and it boosts your resume.</p>
<p>--thanks--</p>