Gradstudies_IA Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 (edited) Hello everyone Selecting a grad school is never the easy and right now i have poised at a juncture, where i require your assistance: I got into SIPA - MIA (Concentration - ‘International Security Policy’ & Specialization - ‘International Conflict Resolution’) and Fletcher MALD (Area of studies - International Negotiation & Conflict resolution - Human Security). My existing educational and professional background has been in economics, human rights and of working in conflict areas on aid effectiveness, human rights, gender etc. In my masters, i want to build on that experience and gain expertise in international affairs and of understanding conflicts and finding ways to mitigate them, especially focusing on negotiations. Why SIPA - The brand! The location! The Concentration and specialization are hands on and have a practical component as well!. Why not SIPA - The compulsory courses in management, economics and finance are something which i am not particularly interested in. Why Fletcher - Focus on law (as knowledge of international law is imperative to become a successful international civil servant), the course structure allows me to really focus in my intended areas of specialization. I have interacted with a Tufts alumini and read extensively that the Fletcher culture is extremely close knit. Why not Fletcher - a) No course available which includes a field work component. It is extremely well known in the United States, how well known is it in the same sector in Africa or Middle East? I really look forward to everyone's inputs. PS: I have also applied to SAIS, GW, GT, Yale and Graduate Institute, but SIPA and Fletcher are my first two preferences. Edited January 14, 2015 by Gradstudies_IA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allischu55 Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 I'm currently at Fletcher and can confirm that the Fletcher culture is extremely close-knit. Not only is there a tight-knit community among students, but also among students, professors, and staff. The flexible curriculum is a huge asset because most Fletcher students have very specialized interests so it's essential to be able to tailor the coursework to your own interests. In terms of the field work, I think many students use the summer internship as an opportunity to do field work and, in many cases, they link that field work to their capstone/thesis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farsoodgee Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 I did similar research and have to agree with you that SIPA is far, far more well known internationally. Since you're from Delhi, it might benefit you more to have a degree from SIPA. If you were a U.S. citizen interested in working in Washington D.C., Fletcher would be a program. But Columbia is far more well known internationally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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