tcboyd

This is an interesting question, and one about which I've also wondered. I was accepted into a grad program at UC Berkeley, which is considerably cheaper than most private schools, but still an inordinate amount of money for a public school. I was offered no aid for the first year, with the option to take on fellowships and other grants next year. I've been accepted to another top notch program, but that financial aid offer isn't out until mid-April. Does anyone have advice on negotiating (read: asking for more money) with financial aid departments in general? I can't imagine alienating them to the point of an admissions offer being rescinded, but still it requires some tact. How might someone frame a request in the most effective way? Any thoughts or advice would be most appreciated! Best of luck everyone

I was wondering if anyone knows about the MSES side specifically? I know that SPEA itself is highly regarded, but without the MPA specialization, does anyone know about rankings, quality, regard for later employment, etc for the Environmental Science focus alone? Any information at all would be super helpful! Thanks

Ok so I am a bit at a loss as to what to do. I've been accepted to a program for journalism at a very competitive/highly regarded school, but the cost is not low. In this day and age, people often lament the shifting (read: dying) status of journalism careers due to the internet, media outlets going freelance, etc. I also have the option to get my masters at a (less regarded) school with a perhaps more practical career focus (environmental science). After all, many journalists argue that one can easily do journalism without having a degree in it. Any thoughts on this? Anyone else considering journalism school against another type of program? Thanks everyone!

Hey everyone, I was admitted to SPEA MSES, with the intent to study applied ecology and wildlife conservation. While I know the MPA program to be highly regarded, I don't actually know too much about the MSES department's reputation itself. Is this degree valued without the MPA component? Not that selectivity is the best metric, but I can't seem to find that information either. Does anyone know how many students are admitted to MSES and how many apply? I've also considered adding on the MPA once enrolled, so does anyone have experience with/info about adding the MPA mid-program? Thanks very much!