MarkB

Hello all - I'm looking for some info on JHU's MA program in Government through their Advanced Academic Programs. Is it safe to compare its perception as described in this thread to the Applied Economics program? Could it also be used to, subsequently, move into a Ph.D. program or would it essentially be viewed as a throwaway degree?

While trying to research an answer to a question I had, I stumbled across this thread which almost exactly mirrors my issue and am hoping some of those who previously commented might be able to offer some additional insight to my concern. Like the previous poster, I too am interested in pursuing a master's degree as a "terminal" degree but also would feel really bilked if it were a useless degree to subsequently apply to a PhD program in the (unlikely) event I were to want to move to that level. I work in corporate public affairs and advancement from the point I'm currently at pretty much requires a masters to be really competitive. Unlike the previous poster, my interest is in political science and not IR, and I'm not interested in going to the UK. Specifically, I had looked at Johns Hopkins MA in Government: http://advanced.jhu.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/government/ This is a "blended" program - students can take courses online (with two evening, in-person "symposia" required per semester), in classroom at JHU, or both. I have a lot of apprehension about any "online" program and would only want to complete this on-campus (or is this a ridiculous concern of mine in this day of age?). What has so far overcome my concern about applying to this program is the Johns Hopkins name, the inclusion of a dissertation requirement, and the fact the degree is issued as a MA without qualification (i.e. "Executive Masters," "Online Masters" or similar). But, am I being too optimistic? My major concerns about the legitimacy of the program is that it has rolling start dates, online offerings and - as far as I can tell - no GRE requirement for entry. How would this degree be viewed? Would it be considered as "legit" as any Johns Hopkins degree? Would it ever be useful for application to a PhD program? Many thanks for any feedback offered -