IPE2011

Going to Maxwell

I would definitely choose Maxwell in that case. You could need the money in the future (for the PhD). SAIS' reputation is amazing... but Maxwell is also very well regarded. I don't think the difference is worth 70K . Especially if you plan to go for a PhD. I would go to Maxwell and try to get into SAIS or maybe Harvard/Princeton/Columbia/Stanford/Chicago/Yale for the PhD.

What are your plans for the future? Do you plan to go into the private sector (i.e. consulting), or do you want to ultimately work in the public sector/IOs? It will be easier to give you an answer with this information....

Both are very strong in econ and finance... but the possibility of cross registration with the business school definitely gives SIPA an edge for international finance in my opinion. Also, SIPA's location in NY is a plus. SAIS will allow you to do significantly more networking in the IR/IO world, but being in NY will allow you to do more networking in finance. SIPA's edge over SAIS in international finance are definitely NOT worth 70K though... Even if you're interested in a career in international finance, I would recommend that you take SAIS' offer.

I agree... If you are considering a career in international finance, SIPA might be the better program. It is definitely not worth 70K more than SAIS though. You should choose SAIS.

Has anyone had a response in reference to the De Sardon-Glass Assistantship?

Thanks for the info Yabanci... I have another question... maybe you or someone else can answer it... Once you request a field transfer after a semester... Is it a possibility that SIS denies the transfer? Or can I count with the certainty of the transfer?

Hello Everyone... I wonder if any of you know whether it is possible to change MA's within SIS after being accepted. I applied to the MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution, but I am now convinced that the best choice is the MA in International Affairs. Since it is within SIS, and given that all other universities (i.e. SAIS, Maxwell, GSPIA, SIPA) easily allow a change of majors within the same program, I imagine it is possible. I need to be sure though... perhaps this is different at SIS. I wrote an email to the admissions office at American and they haven't responded yet... hopefully one of you can answer this question....

Hi SyracuseStudent.... Thank you for your reply.... I'm basing that assertion on the student handbook, and the fact that no waiver exams are mentioned. It says you have to take PPA 723 or ECN 601; and IRP 704 or PPA 721. There is no mention of a waiver possibility. Perhaps I'm wrong... that would make me very happy actually. As far as you know... which classes can be waived? Also... I would really appreciate it if you could tell me: 1) Is it possible to cross-register with PhD classes in other areas at Maxwell (as long as you have the pre-requisites of course)?; 2) Can you take more classes than what is needed to graduate (40 credits) from the MAIR... that is... to take more credits per semester for the same price (full student tuition); 3) Finally... am I right when I say that the MA-IR program could be less rigorous than others because it can be finished in less time? Or am I completely wrong... and it is equally rigorous but in less time? Thank you so much for your time...

Anyone?

I have received similar funding offers from GSPIA, American SIS and Maxwell. All have different Pros an Cons, and I am not being able to make a decision. What would you guys do? Help! I know it is long post, but maybe you guys are interested in the list of pros and cons. You should know that I am attending this Masters so I become more competitive for admission to a PhD in International Political Economy in a few years. The pros and cons of each school are in my opinion as follows: GSPIA PROS I would attend the MPIA in Global Political Economy - Probably will prepare me best for a PhD in IPE I can take up to 15 credits per semester and 6 credits per summer for the same price. This means I would be able to take 72 credits of classes. I have the ability to cross register with the Political Science and Economics PhD programs. CONS I have reviewed the CVs of the faculty of GSPIA, and it is the one I like the least between the faculties at the three options I don't know how much value one should give to rankings.... but GSPIA is ranked # 17 by the FP ranking. American-SIS PROS It is Washington DC It is better ranked by the FP ranking - # 8 The MA in International Affairs (International Economic Relations) would also prepare me well for a PhD in IPE I like the faculty much more than GSPIA's CONS Less credits (39-42 credits) The program is less flexible than GSPIA's The Econ program at American is nit as strong as Pitt's Maxwell PROS It is better ranked than GSPIA - # 10 I think it has the most name recognition of the three I think it has the strongest faculty of the three for what I want to do More RAships are available for MA students CONS Less Credits (about 36 credits of courses + internship-3 and maymester-1) It is the most rigid of the programs (for example... I can't waiver microeconomics or statistics and take more advanced courses) I get the feeling (perhaps I'm wrong) that it's the less rigorous program, since you can complete it in 16 months. Any comments would be most appreciated.