Hello everyone
Selecting a grad school is never the easy and right now i have poised at a juncture, where i require your assistance:
I got into SIPA - MIA (Concentration - ‘International Security Policy’ & Specialization - ‘International Conflict Resolution’) and Fletcher MALD (Area of studies - International Negotiation & Conflict resolution - Human Security).
My existing educational and professional background has been in economics, human rights and of working in conflict areas on aid effectiveness, human rights, gender etc. In my masters, i want to build on that experience and gain expertise in international affairs and of understanding conflicts and finding ways to mitigate them, especially focusing on negotiations.
Why SIPA - The brand! The location! The Concentration and specialization are hands on and have a practical component as well!.
Why not SIPA - The compulsory courses in management, economics and finance are something which i am not particularly interested in.
Why Fletcher - Focus on law (as knowledge of international law is imperative to become a successful international civil servant), the course structure allows me to really focus in my intended areas of specialization. I have interacted with a Tufts alumini and read extensively that the Fletcher culture is extremely close knit.
Why not Fletcher - a) No course available which includes a field work component. It is extremely well known in the United States, how well known is it in the same sector in Africa or Middle East?
I really look forward to everyone's inputs.
PS: I have also applied to SAIS, GW, GT, Yale and Graduate Institute, but SIPA and Fletcher are my first two preferences.