Chris W

Hi Double Shot, Thanks for you input. I see you will be attending SIPA this fall. What prorgam/concentration? Chris

Hi Chris, Thanks for your reply. It actually does make me feel a lot better knowing someone is looking at basically the same decision as I am. I think I pretty much agree with what you have to say about jobs and DC vs NY. I definitely fit the left leaning viewpoints at American over SIPA, but as far as what I want to go into, the job benefits of SIPA appeal to me more. But, at a campus as large as SIPA, I feel there must be a place for alternative viewpoints, no? Also, I notice you are a PCV in Madagascar. I am a Volunteer in Paraguay! I swear out in 2 weeks. When are you done? Maybe we can keep in touch and bounce thoughts off each other as we decide. Best of luck! Chris W.

Hi guys, I have been accepted to both the Masters in International Development at SIS at American and the Masters in International Affairs program at SIPA at Columbia. I am having a tough time deciding between the two, and I'd to know what you all have heard of these schools and what your opinions are. Essentially, I have received more funding from American than from Columbia, which is a factor in my decision, particularly with the high tuition at SIPA. Outside of finances, I worry that SIPA may be a bit too neoliberal, with faculty coming from places such as the World Bank and without much room to study other alternative methods of development. I also see that the employers of SIPA and SIS graduates differ significantly, with SIS graduates going more into international development contractors in DC and SIPA graduates working more with international organizations and foundations. Would this be an accurate assessment? As far as the actual education I would receive at the two schools, what do you perceive as the differences? The SIS program seems much more research and traditionally academic where the SIPA program focuses much more on practice and professional development. Would this be a fair assessment. Anyways, I'm just looking for any input from third parties on these programs to help me make an informed decision. Any opinions would be great. Thanks!