clementine

The course evaluations on the wagner website are the way to go.

Hi all, I am considering applying to the Mailman School of Public Heath at Columbia University but am concerned about the location (168th street, near the West Side Highway). I have heard the neighborhood is not-so-great both in terms of safety and overall fun. As someone who will be potentially taking all night classes, is the neighborhood safe relative to other Manhattan schools (for example, I feel perfectly safe taking the subway from NYU late at night)? Also, what's the overall feel of the location? Any help would be appreciated!

Yea, students have complained about the number of credits needed at Wagner compared to comparable programs. Part of this is due to classes being 4 credits as opposed to 3 at most other schools. I am currently completing the MPA- Management specialization

Hello! I currently attend Wagner and can hopefully provide you with some insight into the program. Unfortunately, PER is not taken for credit, so you still need 60 credits to graduate. Also, you seem to have had a not-so-great experience applying to the program. I had a similar issue during the application process, but have found the Wagner administration to be both effective and efficient at addressing my concerns. I can’t speak to the Rutgers program, but what I love about Wagner is the sense of community among students. Despite being at a school with 40,000 individuals, Wagner staff and students know who you are. In terms of your career goals, I am sure there are professors at Wagner who can aid you in finding your niche within Drug Policy Reform. Professors are fairly approachable and can put you in contact with other professionals within the field. The connections are limitless. For example, I regularly receive private job posts from professors who are in contact with heads of nonprofits and government agencies looking for Wagner students (or students from other well known MPA programs). Also, there are so many classes offered at NYU that you should consider taking classes at Steinhardt, Stern and the Law School. I think this goes back to your point about the Wagner degree being more contemporary and tied to your interests. While I have enjoyed my experience at Wagner so far, there are definitely some aspects of the program I would change. NYU is notorious for its lack of financial aid, so getting aid during your second year is not guaranteed. This is coupled with the general expenses you will accrue by attending school in NYC, specifically the village. Furthermore, despite my overall positive experience with classes, there are definitely some professors and classes I wish I reconsidered taking. Some professors are clearly at NYU because of their research, not because they are great professors. To avoid these situations, I strongly suggest using the course evaluations offered by the school. Also, there is a lack of flexibility in the courses you can take your first year due to capstone requirements. Finally, I am assuming due to financial constraints, the school accepted numerous students who have little relevant work experience. I find this to be somewhat frustrating, especially when classes require you to reflect on past jobs. Being able to link theories learned to current or past work experience is a must. Hope this helps.

I can understand your position. I too attended a state school to save money for a graduate program and was nervous about the costs of Wagner vs. Baruch. In the end, I chose Wagner. NYU is what you make of it. If you plan on being involved in extra curricular activities and attending programs that Wagner or NYU have to offer it, it can be worth the money. The network of professionals and Wagner alum you will have access to is impressive as well. I haven't met many Baruch alumni who are in positions I can see myself in, but have met many Wagner alum who are. That being said, the quality of some classes/professors at Wagner does not warrant the high tuition, and there seems to be a good group of students, who in their first semester, contemplate transferring to Baruch. Plus, Wagner is stingy with scholarship money. Most people I know have not received any. I cannot speak for Baruch, but what impresses me most about Wagner is the sense of community among students. I really do love the people I have met. Hope this helps.

Unfortunately, due to my work schedule, I do not have the same amount of time as I once did to dedicate myself to studying for the GRE's, which is why I am considering schools that do not require them. I believe wagner has a June 1st deadline.

Hi Everyone, I have taken the GRE's, but my scores certaintly won't impress any admissions board. Does anyone know of any MPA/MPP programs that do not require submitting GRE scores? I have a fairly high GPA (around a 3.5) and am somewhat confident I can get into a program without such scores. I know some schools that do not require test scores include Wagner, SIPA, Northeastern and Baruch. I was looking to apply for Fall 08 programs and with the deadline approaching (before June 1st), I am in desperate need of advice! Thanks!