kt221

Hi All, Curious if anyone has any input or can offer advice on two programs before I make my decision for grad school. I am interested in International Development and in a variety of issues such as sustainability, natural resources, global health, etc. I am much more interested in practice rather than policy. Options: American University, ~10k total funding, Dual MA International Affairs (American) and MA Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (UPEACE in Costa Rica) Cornell CIPA, ~30k total funding, MPA (concentration: International Development) When all is said and done it looks like I would be in roughly the same amount of debt for each program. I really like both programs and they offer a different approach to development from one another. I like the environmental focus of American but worried it may be a bit too focused for my future career (unsure I want to work on environmental policy but love all course descriptions). I like the flexibility of CIPA but curious how quant heavy the program is? The core courses aren't my favorite (economic and quant analysis) but I would be able to choose from a ton of courses for the concentration that can span agriculture, health, etc. that really interest me. Are both programs ranked about the same? Would networking and finding a job afterwards be easier at one vs the other? I have not had the chance to visit either campus either and it doesn't look like I will before the April deadline. Curious how student life is at both as well. Any input is greatly appreciated!