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I am discerning between two programs with a focus of moving into international development work post grad. However, I should add that I intend to work more at the 'grass roots' or tactical level vice the strategic or policy level but want to maintain the ability for future upward mobility as age begins to bring me out of the field. Program 1) UT dual degree MBA (McCombs School, focus in Social Enterprise) and MGPS (focus in Int'l Development, more policy than practitioner based) Program 2) IU SPEA dual degree MPA (Non-profit mgm't and Int'l Development) and MSES (focus in Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment). In addition I would add a Certificate from KSB in Social Entrepreneurship and a Cert in Conflict Mediation. As far is funding goes, I have full funding for each program from past employment. Additionally I should mention I have been accepted in HKS MPP and UW MPA, however after viewing degree potentials, the dual degrees favor my pursuits even despite the HKS network (may should have gone the MPA/ID route but did not have a strong enough quant background for it to be feasible). Any contstructive thoughts would be greatly appreciated, especially from any current or past development practitioners. Thanks ahead of time to those who respond.

I visited SPEA a few weeks back and was extremely impressed with their staff, teachers, and overall feel of the place. Very grounded in academia and formidable values vice some of the pretentious attitudes you encounter at other elite schools. I was accepted in January (MPA/MSES) but have yet to hear about funding. I received funding from UW Evans and UT LBJ/McCombs (MGPS/MBA), but to be honest if I receive any from SPEA that is where I will be next fall.

To both of you, thank you for responding. Certainly helps to add in any information, especially for those currently working in field, to the decision process and analysis. Digging into it further, I confirmed they also offer a certificate in Conflict Resolution (inclusive of legal and state dispute resolution), depending on fellowship offers from there and other schools I have been admitted, I most likely will be in Bloomington this fall. Thanks again for the info.

IUB SPEA offers a top-ranked program in non-profit management, however it appears that they lack a lot of curriculum in the international sector and are not member a of APSIA. My professional plans are to work in international development and conflict management (I have 4 years work experience in both development and conflict management through the military) through non-government organizations, would attending SPEA hurt or help this (concern being present from the lack of international focus in the program)? Any other suggestions for schools? I have applied to UT-LBJ's MGPS/MBA, HKS MPP, and UW MPA. Any and all information is helpful, thanks ahead of time.