Jon87

So, I'm currently considering applying for a one-year MSc at RSIS in Singapore. In particular their MSc Strategic Studies seems quite interesting and well-aligned with my personal interests. (I already have a one-year Masters from a good UK university, but in an unrelated field.) Website: http://www.rsis.edu.sg/grad/ I was wondering if anyone has any intel on the school, and especially regarding how it's perceived in the U.S. Academic reputation? Professors? (According to UPenn's ranking, the school (or rather its think-tank) was ranked 3rd in Asia - does this mean anything?) What impact, if any, would this MSc have if I were to apply for a U.S.-based PhD programme in political science afterwards? As I see it, there's a couple of pros and cons: positive: - Heard the school is very modern, generous with fellowships, sort of 'up-and-coming', and good in providing exposure to regional policymakers through events and practical cases. - Going by the online prospectus, the courses seem well thought-out and interesting. - Singapore is a good place to study Asian security issues (especially with my interests in maritime security in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea). Would also allow me to progress a bit on my (very basic) Chinese skills. cons: - probably not too well-known in the U.S.? - apparently a good chunk of students are military cadets from Singapore -- which might be interesting but could also be a bit too much... all opinions most welcome...

Bump -- any other pieces of advice would be highly welcome...

Thanks, I know about sciences-po but am 100% decided on pursuing my grad studies in the U.S. Anyone else with input on the three options above?

I'm bumping this since I have exactly the same questionn. Thanks!

I’ve been ruminating over this for months now and thought an outside perspective might provide valuable advice. In a nutshell, my profile is the following: European, degrees in business economics and political economy, excellent grades from two good (non-U.S.) universities. However, despite my academic background I have gravitated towards international security and strategic studies; I've got a couple of internships in these fields (in the EU’s equivalent of the state department and in the Brussels-based think-tank community). I’m especially fascinated by transatlantic cooperation on the governance of the global commons (martime security and safeguarding of sealanes, politics of outer space, cooperation on natural resources & energy security), but I’ve also got a deep and broad interest in security studies more in general. (Have done some work on nuclear proliferation and missile defence too.) My career goal for the medium term (and personal dream) is to get engaged in policy research on the above issues in the U.S., probably in DC. Options are still broad, but I’ll probably be aiming for think-tanks, political risk analysis/consulting, or IOs. Now, since I would like to refocus my education towards my current field of interest (and also get that invaluable student visa making it much easier to find a job across the Atlantic), I find myself in somewhat of a dilemma between three choices: 1. get a professional Masters degree in IR or SS Pros: - aligns closely with personal interests - bound to be an intellectually and professionally rewarding experience - probably the best fit in terms of career objectives. Cons: - already have another two-year Masters degree - incredibly expensive for int’l students (almost no scholarships in my home country) and I don’t feel eager about being $100K+ in debt. 2. get a Public Policy PhD Pros: - somewhat more funding out there (?) - training in advanced analytical and quantitative skills which distinguishes oneself from the gazillion of (undoubtedly very capabable) SAIS/SIPA /... grads out there. Cons: - I haven’t found many PP degrees yet that focus on international security (exceptions may be something like Harris), and feel anxious about the professors and fellow students concentrating on issues like tax policy design or urban waste management rather than my field of interest - somewhat questionable to study twice as long as a masters to probably end up doing the same type of jobs. 3. get a Political Science PhD in IR Pros: - plenty of time to engage on a very deep level with the interesting conflict/security literature - I'm quite willing to consider an academic career (with maybe some policy research stints in the longer term) - more funding available - some programme subdivisions (e.g. at MIT) seem quite policy-focused - if worst comes to worst I can always drop out after the MA. Cons - dismal academic job market for polsci - huge commitment given that I’m not completely sure about being an academic in the first place. For the sake of argument, let's assume I can put together a competitive file for all three options. Any input or recommendations would be much appreciated -- many thanks!