MAofIndecision

Thank you all for the feedback. I am very torn. I have been strongly advised to take NPSIA for the prestige factor for external recognition for jobs... but I am still heavily swayed by the excellent quality of professors at GPSIA who are also experts still practicing outside of research as well, and whom I already have a relationship with. There are no bad options clearly so I don't mean to be ungrateful. I am just struggling as to what (if any) is better in the long term as I want to stay local and it is very hard to determine. Regarding the question about foreign policy- I would not be able to comment on NPSIA as much but for GPSIA, given the CIPS organization and frankly Roland Paris, Peter Jones, Wesley Wark, Michael Williams and Alex Gheciu as leaders in their fields..... foreign policy is well represented. Cips, and its events, is exceptional and attracts experts from all over the world. Can anyone comment as to whether professionals in the field care about the APSIA accreditation designation in the field? I am surprised other schools have not acquired it.

I would like your opinions on what would be better for working in Canada with international organizations- NPSIA Or GPSIA. I am really struggling deciding which to attend. As a slightly older student my greatest focus is on getting coop placements. I have great relationships with professors at GPSIA but NPSIA has a better reputation. I dont want to spend another academic chapter at ottawa u but i cant help thinking the relationships I have there are not easily duplicated. I am not interested in working internationally or in the foreign service, rather I hope to work locally in ottawa for an internationl org, ngo or govt. Thoughts? I would greatly appreciate insight.

Beyond accepting on the website... anyone know what the next steps in the process are? Deposit? etc?

Thank you so much for your insight. Its not easy to make a decision when one school is so young and the other is NPSIA. Also congratulations to you too on your acceptances!! Have you decided where you will go? Would you think the APSIA cert has a lot of weight in terms of post grad job opportunities?

Just to add: I know NPSIA has a better reputation but the uottawa program is so young its harder to judge its merit. Anyone?

I too have been accepted to NPSIA with funding and a TA ship offer, but I have 12000 to GPSIA (Ottawa) too. Would love anyones two cents on pros and cons of NPSIA vs GPSIA . How do you think they stack up?

im trying to choose between npsia and gpsia and feeling just as lost.

Hi everyone, I have been accepted to both Ottawa and Carleton's MA for international and public affairs. I am really struggling as to which one will open more career doors as I do not want to work abroad (already have worked abroad). I have received funding at both. I have a great relationship with the faculty at Ottawa and don't know anyone at Carleton. KEy interest for me is getting a coop position - absolutely vital for me. As a slightly older applicant, my greatest concern is which will be the best door opener ( so to speak) to ensure I can get a job in Canada working in public policy/ int law/ canadian based role for international organizations. Id very much like your advice/opinions.