<p>So far, the only program I've been accepted to is the American's SIS program. I'd just like an idea, before I go, of the weaknesses this program might have compared to the other top IR programs. For instance, I saw someone on another thread talking about the fact that SAIS starts introducing students to employers during their first semester. </p>
<p>So, what are the weaknesses of the SIS program, and how might I mitigate these weaknesse?</p>
<p>Also, I don't mean to imply that the SIS program is, itself, weak. I just assume they all have strengths and weaknesses. I'd just like to know this stuff before I start. </p>
<p>I haven't decided to go to American, but it's looking like that's going to be my only choice (still waiting on SAIS and MSFS)</p>
<ul>
<li>Fewer security course offerings than pure security studies programs. </li>
<li>Less of an emphasis on national security.</li>
<li>Language classes won’t count towards your degree, but you do have to pass a language exam or submit a USDA class certificate in a foreign language with a grade of B or better at the intermediate level to graduate. Students who enter the program without a foreign language at the required level have to make their own arrangements to attain that level. I’m not sure whether this is a weakness, though I have heard students and applicants alike mention that they’d like language prep to be part of an IR graduate degree.</li>
<li>You may receive conflicting information about course requirements for semester study abroad programs, so figuring that out could involve some work.</li>
<li>Classes offered during the day are inconvenient for students who work full-time.</li>
</ul>
<p>Yeah, I got accepted to U.S. Foreign Policy and there isn’t much “security studies” in it. It seems like I should have just applied to international politics, because even though its not national security, they have a lot more classes in what I am looking at. Then again, there are like 2-3 classes in IP and 2 in USFP on security so I am sure I could do what I wanted.</p>
<p>I heard SIS was a really good program, especially for “comparative” or “regional studies” type things. I wish I knew about GWU’s Security Policy program, I would have applied for it because it seems excellent, instead I applied to their Middle East Studies program. Anyway, I like Middle East Studies so I will just and see how that goes.</p>
<p>American is the no. 8 ranked MA in international politics in the country, and one other thing is that it is such a big school (from my friends who go there) that there are just so many opportunities.</p>
<p>I think a downside of the school is that it is not big into “academic IR,” i.e. very strict abstract theory (Mearsheimer, Walt, Waltz, Art, Posen, etc.) like the New England schools. It is much more policy oriented. And being right there in D.C. you could intern at some think tanks.</p>
<p>Kigali, supposing I want/need to continue my Mandarin studies, how do I go about “making my own arrangements” to do so? I’m kind of surprised to see that such studies are an integrated part of the program. </p>
<p>More to the point, what exactly is considered an “intermediate” level of proficiency? I’m conversational in Mandarin, but I still feel that I need to make significant progress to be where I should for a career in International Relations.</p>
<p>rmaguir - By “intermediate” level they mean intermediate reading proficiency. There are several ways to fulfill the requirement, with one of them being taking a class at the USDA at the intermediate level and getting a grade of B or better (this is actually much cheaper than taking a class at AU or at any other university, really). Alternatively, you could find a certified Mandarin tutor/instructor and have them test you. A large part of the reason it’s not integrated into the curriculum is because you’d have to pay for a 3-credit language class if it were, and at $3500 a pop, it’s an expensive undertaking.</p>
<p>isolationist - There are more than 2 classes in each program that count as “security” classes, but keep in mind that IP’s security focus is international, not national security and they’re pretty particular about that. So if your focus is indeed national security, then USFP is the right SIS program for you.</p>