Need help to choose between two MA programs: Committee on International Relations at Chicago and Political Science at Columbia. Both one-year( Chicago has a second-year specialization program, but competitive), and no funding. Objective in the future: PhD in Political Science, major interests in Chinese politics and foreign relations, international politics, etc.
Advantages of Columbia: three pois Andrew Nathan, Robert Jervis, Jack Snyder, all great scholars and friendly. New York has good location, rich rescources, and wonderful personal ties. Columbia is my dream school and I may impress the faculty in MA studies.
Disadvantages of Columbia: one year passes very quickly and may not fully prepared for future doctoral application. No MA thesis. My most favored professor Nathan, though happy to be my advisor, will not offer nay class in the fall semester, and only one big lecture in the spring semester. Besides, he is almost seventy. Jervis is always busy. Columbia does not encourage its students apply for its own PhD program.
Advantages of Chicago: also pois like Measheimer, Dali Yang, Guy Allitto, and Bruce Cumings. Three quarters and nine courses for one year, seem more solid. The chances of second-year specialization, which provides more time and space for PhD application. MA thesis required. An inter-disciplinary program with courses in departments like Political Science, History, Sociology, etc. Cost is lower than NY.
Disadvantages of Chicago: Location, resource, and personal network not that satisfactory. Mearsheimer's offensive realism may not match my emphasis on idea and culture. I am not sure whether I could succeed in the fierce competition and heavy burden in Chicago. Guy Allitto and Bruce Cumings are both historians and their recommendations may not be as strong as a political sicentist.
Above is my personal feelings while some points come form insiders. I want to ask for help which one will better prepare me for future PhD application. If anyone has any information or advice, please let me know. Thanks for your help!
