polaris85

They've only just admitted their first post-grad class, entering this Fall, so presently, it's all UVA undergrads completing the 5-year program. I'm interested in it too, as I attended UVA undergrad (but missed out on being eligible for this program by 1 year). I have had several of the faculty, and know of others from the Politics dept. They have a pretty decent faculty in the program and are continually trying to draw new people in -- for instance, with the new collaboration with the Education school. I had email contact with Howard Hoege several times this year about the program and he commented on the flexibility to take classes in different areas outside of Batten, which is awesome since UVA does have some strong graduate programs in other areas as well. Although UVA is obviously not in DC and this hurts your competitiveness somewhat, I don't think it is a huge issue. DC isn't too far away and many of the faculty have connections to DC to help you network (not to mention, access to the Miller Center).

Hi everyone- I'm currently in my first year of a terminal MA program in Sociology (fully funded). When first looking at graduate schools, I was looking to eventually go into social/policy research, so Sociology seemed to make sense. However, my employment experience in the months prior to starting the program really changed my mind about my interests. I'm still interested in social policy, but definitely from a professional policy analysis/public finance perspective. Eventually I want to work in the public sector on policy and how to best allocate funds into various programs. That being said, Sociology on its own is not entirely helpful to me- the program I am presently enrolled in has limited quantitative emphasis and there are very, very limited opportunities to study political science/management/economics types of courses with a public sector emphasis. I am really depressed in my current program and feel like I am not really making progress towards my goals. So I am considering leaving this program, going back to work for another year or two (on top of the 2 years I already have working in the public sector) and then applying to MPP programs. I'm curious as to what impact this would have on applying to future programs? Will they view this (leaving) negatively? Should I just stick it out even though I am entirely unmotivated by my coursework and feel that none of it would really be useful to me in a professional policy setting? I am concerned because I have been hearing mixed stories about the impact of dropping out and then trying to reapply to something else. Some indicate that it signals the applicant's lack of ability/commitment, while others I have spoken to state that it is not an uncommon phenomena and could be easily and briefly addressed in a personal statement. I'm considering applying to UMich (Ford), and being that it is a top school in the Policy field, I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by leaving if it will look entirely bad on my application. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with Lehigh's Sociology program? They seem to be one of the better schools in the Northeast PA area that offer a terminal MA degree. Does anyone know what they expect admissions-wise? I had a 3.6 overall at UVA with a 3.72 in my major, and by the time I would start, I would have had 2 years work experience in a public social services agency. (I want to study social policy and program evaluation). I haven't taken the GRE yet though, I will at the end of this summer. Thanks!