gracer

Thanks for the responses. Cplanicka, congrats on your PC service and extension as well. I will take a look at Brandeis. I considered pursuing MDPs as well, but I'm wary because most of the programs are pretty new. The interdisciplinary coursework is tempting, but I think I am headed towards a more generalist-managerial role than a technical specialist one. I agree with you that MBAs/MPAs have a lot of skillset overlap, but I think the MBA will have more cache and more aggressive professional development/career placement. fadeindreams, thank you for your input regarding Ford. I will look again. I don't doubt that it gives the requisite skillset to be successful both domestically and international; I just think that other schools that are more internationally focused seem like a better fit. And since I am planning on applying for joint-degrees at all of them, that ups the application quotient considerably. I will definitely check out the faculty you mentioned, but in perusing the available courses, not as many jumped out at me right away. I will look again at courses available through other schools. I am really looking to specialize in human security and humanitarian aid policy and practice and from what I can tell the closest Ford gets is having a focus area in international development. To anyone else who may be reading this, I am really curious if anyone has experience or knows someone who has done a joint-degree. What does it do to your ability to network and socialize within your cohort? Does it have a negative effect on being able to do an exchange/study abroad or internship? I am also concerned about spending all of my time fulfilling first-year core requirements in each program and having less time/ability to specialize and take advanced electives. Also, in general, as someone primarily interested in IR and planning on working in the non-profit sector, will I be too out of tune with my private-sector destined b-school classmates? I am aware that pursuing b-school and not intending to go into the private sector means I'll have to work extra hard to make the program work for me, but what I'm really looking for is managerial skills and courses related to operational management and organizational behavior. For anyone currently enrolled in an IR/MPP/MPA program, do you know anyone who is a joint-degree student? Or do you know of any schools that haven't been mentioned that offer concentrations in human security with courses pertaining to complex emergencies/disaster relief/etc.? Any other thoughts, advice, insight appreciated. Good luck to everyone!

Hi Everyone, First-time post. I am planning on applying to Master's programs in IR next year. I am currently a Peace Corps volunteer and will complete my extension of service in June. I am wondering if anyone has any experience or knowledge about joint MA/MBA programs? Do certain joint degree programs have better reputations/cache/professional placement? My target schools are Fletcher, SIPA, SAIS, SIS, Elliott, and Korbel with the accompanying b-schools being Tuck, Wharton, Kogod, GW's b-school, and Denver's b-school respectively. I have eliminated a lot of the other top policy and business programs based on my desire for an international career. Programs like Michigan and Chicago are out for being too domestic-focused. Are there other schools I should consider? The MA is my priority with the MBA adding an extra skillset. Should I pay attention to business school rankings? Will I lose out on some of the community experience/second-year electives and specialization by dividing my time between two schools/programs? Does it even make sense for me to pursue an MBA when my career interests lie in humanitarian aid delivery and complex emergencies? Any thoughts or insight would be helpful. Thanks!