maplesyrupsam

Thanks but I am familiar with the purpose of MPA programs and am speaking specifically on the programs I will be applying to, so I don't really need a second opinion on that. I am also familiar with food systems as a field since that's what i've spent the last 4 years studying. While I appreciate the replies, I only posted this thread to gain more information on Portland State and UOregon's programs specifically, and even that is no longer necessary because I have made my choice between the two.

Thanks. By " a decently sized list of masters programs" I mean 4 schools, 1 in state (ECU) and 3 out of state. I am not interested in UNC's program because I have spoken to multiple faculty members and it isn't exactly what i'm looking for. I am still applying to Portland State's MNL because I have only heard good things from people that have graduated from their College of Urban and Public Affairs. Having reach/safety etc. isn't nearly as important to me as having faculty members in a similar field. Policy work isn't what i'm looking to do, but nonprofit management involving food security/sustainable diet choices is.

Thanks for the reply! I have a decently sized list of masters programs i'll be applying to, I just mentioned those two in particular since I live on the east coast and will likely only have time to visit one(COVID-19 permitting) before applying. After doing more research though I have taken U of O off my application list, so that answers that. I am aware that work experience usually means more in this field than a graduate degree, and i'll have significant volunteer experience by then, but the jobs i'm looking at specifically have a masters degree requirement. I was fairly vague in my original post because I rarely see people asking about food systems + security related management careers since I didn't want to get ridiculously field specific. If I was to do anything other than MNL or MPA it would be a MS in Food Systems, but those are typically more academic oriented and not what employers are asking for in job postings for my desired career.

Hey all! This is my first post here so apologies if I did something wrong. I'm looking into some pretty niche programs for my masters and so far the only two that have perfectly fit what i'm interested have been PSU and UO. Long story short, ultimately I want an MS in Nonprofit Management(or MPA) with a concentration in Food Systems with hopes to work in food security related nonprofits in the future. My BS will be in Nutrition-Food Systems so I think that will be a pretty complementary degree. I live on the east coast though, so it's a bit hard to find information on either of these schools. I'm going on a long weekend trip later this fall to tour one of the schools and i'm having trouble deciding which, since I likely won't be able to tour the second until after I receive admissions decisions. I am also applying to two in state MPA programs, which aren't nearly as good (for me) curriculum wise but would cost about 1/3 to 1/2 of the tuition of either UO or PSU. Do either of these schools offer good financial aid for graduate/OOS students? Is there a significant cost of living difference? Tuition for UO is about 10k higher than PSU, so i'm mostly wondering if that cost is made up elsewhere. Do either of these schools come with a positive/negative connotation when it comes to job applications? I would also greatly appreciate any insight from students currently at either of these schools, and if anyone has thoughts on which school to tour when I take the first trip. Thanks!