mugzies03

Hi, I want to reiterate what the previous post. Personally, when I went back to do my master's in public policy (at American University in Public Policy, a decent top 15ish program) I had been out of school for a year or two and had about 0 relevant work experience. I am now about to start a PhD at SPEA of Indiana, a very top school, with very little work experience outside of the TA position I had at American. I guess what I am trying to say is that there is no formula that admission committees follow, they look at a variety of factors and actually value having a diverse student class. My best advice would be to be honest, talk about what is commonly recommended; your qualifications (including work experience), your goals and motivations and why you fit into the program. But also don't be afraid to talk about what makes you different and what/why you have things to offer that others do not Second, public affairs master's programs are not really in the business of preparing students for a future in the public sector, they are in the business of preparing students for careers policy, whether that is in the public, private or non profit sector. Personally I know a lot of peers from my program went into the private sector and I know statistically most people will move between sectors over the course of their careers. And in terms of the international bit as long as you have the necessary work authorizations your job prospect would be like everyone elses.

I applied to PhD program in Public Affairs (as opposed to the Environmental program) and heard back from them in early/mid February. They don't conduct interviews but if admitted you have the option to go visit the school. I am not sure which program you are interested in (public affairs, environmental of the joint one) but from talking to faculty I know that the environmental program is run differently so I can't speak to that program and I don't know anything about the joint program.