cplanicka

Well, I've narrowed down my choices, which included knocking off some very good choices. I think I have a desire to be in NYC (crossing out American) and in a development-specific program (crossing out Chicago and NYU). It comes down to Columbia SIPA for MPA in Development Practice, with no funding, vs. Fordham MA International Political Economy and Development with full tuition (Peace Corps Fellow). I really like the hands-on feel of SIPA MPA-Development Practice, and it has great faculty and a small-program feel while still having big-program resources (only 25 students in the program, but part of much larger overall SIPA network). It seems like this would provide small classes and direct relations to professors, while still giving a large alumni network and varying viewpoints across the different degrees/specializations. It is expensive and would require a lot of debt (at least in the first year, and probably still a lot in the second), but I would likely opt for the Income-based repayment and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs post-graduation. this program also offers a "professional" degree in an MPA (as opposed to Fordham's MA in IPED, which may be a bit more confusing to some employers) The other program I'm considering is Fordham IPED. This is a much smaller program, but still has a variety of specilizations (development, economics, finance...) It is a shorter program, only 3 semesters, which I cannot decide if I like or dislike. The program is small but seems relatively well-known, and students say the director really makes an effort to put you in contact with alumni in various sectors in DC and NYC. The Peace Corps Fellow offers full tuition. I've seen a lot posted about SIPA on this board (especially when compared to SAIS or HKS). Is there a major advantage to SIPA over Fordham? What are people's general opinions of the Fordham IPED program? Any thoughts in general? I hope to work "in the field" on development projects, and I think both would prepare me for this (although I think the MPA-DP at SIPA is more well-designed in this aspect). Thanks in advance...

Hi Chris, Sorry to comment without making a vote, but I feel your pain as I'm in a similar dilemma. I am admitted to SIS for Masters Science Development Management, and SIPA for MPA-Development Practice. I have had some feedback from current students at both, and your perceptions seem pretty accurate to me. As far as employers, I think SIPA's stats are a bit skewed by how many students go into the private sector, but overall it does seem they go more for international orgs than SIS. My feeling is that it is easier to get a job in DC graduating from SIPA than getting a job in NYC graduating from American SIS (does that make sense? as in, its still easier to get a dc job or int'l job with a gov. org at American SIS that SIPA, but it is harder to get one in NYC, ie world bank or nyc-based ngos, with American than it would be for a Columbia SIPA grad to get a DC-based job). As far as the neoliberal skew of SIPA, which I have heard as well, versus SIS, this is a brief excerpt from a current SIS student: "First of all, SIS is fairly left-leaning. I appreciate the viewpoints of my professors and colleagues, but there are few, if any conservative/liberal (in the economic sense) voices at the school." Take that for what it is worth - and note that the student was studying International Peace and Conflict Resolution, FYI Another thing to keep in mind is that, I think, SIPA has a much stronger alumni presence in the private sector (since much of their program is finance related). While you may be looking at NGO work or public sector work now, if somewhere down the road you transition to private sector that SIPA connection might be handy... Well I'm not sure I've helped you any, aside from letting you know I'm trying to make a similar decision! Good luck! -also Chris... P

Hi Erin, I don't have a ton of input here, as I am in the middle of also struggling between things like cost vs. reputation (though in international development arena). I did want to point out that, it seems to me, Rutgers should not still be in the running (based on your description). I would think it's either (1) NYU with less than full funding but a better career services and ranking (slightly) or (2) UCLA for a slight drop in ranking but more funding. It looks to me like Rutgers, which is not offering a full scholarship nor has the same reputation/ranking as the two others (and you said a weak career services/alumni network), is not in your best interest... But, take with a huge grain of salt, just my knee-jerk reaction! Good luck

Hi all, just wondering if anyone had any further thoughts on Columbia MDP or are any closed to a decision? I have pretty much narrowed it down to Columbia MPA-DP (No Funding), Chicago Harris MPP (full tuition), Fordham IPED (full tuition), Emory MDP (10k), American SIS Dev Management (half tuition). Still think Columbia MPA-DP is my top choice as a program, but it is hard to pass up some of the funding offers! What are you other admits thinking??

I too am interested in learning more about the international track. If you hear anything, please let me know! And thanks in advance to any current student/grad who can help with this

Hi all, I got accepted over the weekend... received email w/ decision letter attached at 11pm Saturday night (central time). Also received Dean's Award! Good luck to those still waiting!

Wow, "WTF"... how fitting! ...still waiting, too...

Well after writing all that, I forgot to actually respond to lotus_seed 's question! So, here is a bit about my experience (I dropped some of the categories from the MPP thread postings): Undergraduate institution: T20 Undergraduate GPA: 3.56 Undergraduate Major: History GRE Quantitative Score: 790 GRE Verbal Score: 610 GRE AW Score: 5 Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): going on 6 (graduated 2005) Years of Work Experience: 5-6 Describe Relevant Work Experience: Worked for 3 years in Washington, DC, first for a small law firm (paralegal) then at the national office of a non-profit (Community Action Partnership), doing a variety of office work and communications and event planning.... blah! So, spent the next few years in the Peace Corps in Madagascar (2008-current). I am far from the biggest cheerleader for the Peace Corps; it has its ups and downs, and your experience depends on a variety of issues (country you end up in, your village/community, your program, etc). BUT it really is a great way to get first-hand, international work experience in a developing country. I think this really helped me in applying for the MPA in Development Practice. I now have experience teaching about agroforestry, new agricultural techniques, nutrition... as well as leading major events on AIDS awareness and working extensively with a farmers' co-op on an export project. Granted, I've also spent countless hours wandering around my village(s) aimlessly, and staring at walls, and teaching kids to play american games (tic tac toe went over well, but baseball and american football... a bit too complex...) So, it is not a definite fit for everyone, and there is a lot of commentary out there on the Peace Corps' shortfalls (Google "Robert Strauss" for a sampling). Overall though, I've enjoyed it, and it has helped me advance my career as well. Hope that helps somewhat...!

Hey all, I wanted to move this discussion out of the SIPA results thread, as there are still people there anxiously waiting for results (and most appear to be in the MIA or MPA camp, so all the Dev. Practice talk could get annoying for them). I got in to Columbia, MPA-DP, which is my top choice, but without any funding. While I could see taking on (massive) loans if I was aiming to come out in international banking/finance, I plan to continue working in either public sector or with NGOs. I assume most people considering the MDP track are in the same boat. Is the education/connections/name-value/experience worth it for us? I know this is still a relatively new program, so it can be hard to judge... but I wanted to share thoughts with some other MDP applicants, and use this feedback in making my decision (I also plan to use the admitted students forum on the SIPA website). Also, I noticed lotus_seed had a question regarding people's experience (in main SIPA thread), as s/he is planning to reapply in the next few years, so I thought we could share that here too.

Just heard from American SIS for the Masters Science in Development Management program - accepted! They send it via mail, the letter was dated March 8 but it did not arrive until the 15th (sent to South Carolina, if that adds any perspective on mail timing). Good luck to those still waiting, hopefully your decision is in the mail...!

Me too! the email came in Tuesday. MPA-DP, no funding... now time for MY decision...

Hey all, I am also still waiting and regularly checking this thread and the SIPA Admissions blog... I try to draw encouragement from the idea that the longer we wait, the more likely we are to qualify for funding... probably wishful thinking though! Good luck

Hey, I heard late Tuesday (email with official decision letter attached). I had applied for the merit deadline (not the named fellowships), and got in with 4 credits per semester funding! Good luck to those still waiting, hopefully you will hear soon!

Hey, take a look at the thread "SIPA (Columbia) Thread" , There is a pretty lively discussion about how we are all anxious to hear something... I'm applying to SIPA for an MPA-DP also, good luck!

I too am a SIPA applicant, MPA - Development Practice. Honestly though, I have not been too nervous about hearing from them, mostly because I check their blog regularly and they do a good job of keeping applicants updated on the whole process. It sounds like we won't start hearing anything til mid-March, so maybe we can hope to know in the next few weeks! Check it out if you haven't already, http://blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/sipa/ Good luck!