SIPA vs GPPI ?

[Saladin]

Hi everyone,

I need help deciding between going to SIPA or GPPI. SIPA has given me no first year funding, while Im still to hear from GPPI on that. So, disregarding the funding issue, which one is the better option?

A few facts to help you decide: Im an international student looking at working in the development field, so it seems SIPA would provide more job options due to the NYC connection. Also I think alot of jobs in DC are with US govt. agencies, which would count me out, although that's just my opinion and I stand to be corrected.

As far as GPPI goes, does it have the same reputation/ranking as its Foreign Service program? And would GPPI give better options as far as consulting/private sector jobs are concerned? Any feed back would be really appreciated!

Edited March 21, 2010 by Saladin

[Minerva473]

Hi everyone,

I need help deciding between going to SIPA or GPPI. SIPA has given me no first year funding, while Im still to hear from GPPI on that. So, disregarding the funding issue, which one is the better option?

A few facts to help you decide: Im an international student looking at working in the development field, so it seems SIPA would provide more job options due to the NYC connection. Also I think alot of jobs in DC are with US govt. agencies, which would count me out, although that's just my opinion and I stand to be corrected.

As far as GPPI goes, does it have the same reputation/ranking as its Foreign Service program? And would GPPI give better options as far as consulting/private sector jobs are concerned? Any feed back would be really appreciated!

In terms of pure rankings, GPPI is not ranked as highly as the Foreign Service program, as far as I'm aware (Georgetown is ranked number 1 in the "Inside the Ivory Tower" ranking in the magazine Foreign Policy and this refers to the School of Foreign Service as it's a list of international affairs programs; in the U.S. News Rankings of public affairs programs GPPI is ranked number 14, same as Columbia). It's obviously a reputable program, ranked 14th in US News and has the Georgetown name to it. And I see that it has some interesting faculty on international policy. However, the program is not part of APSIA, the organization that accredits international affairs programs, or NASPAA, which accredits public policy and public administration programs (possibly simply due to the fact that it is relatively new... I dunno). If costs are the same for you, I would definitely suggest choosing SIPA -- I think it's much better known for international development, and you can intern at the UN. I'm sure you'll get a fine education at GPPI and that the student body is quite strong, but SIPA will probably give you more connections and a more recognized degree. I've also heard lots of SIPA grads go into the private sector so don't count them out for that (have a look at their employment stats).

Edited March 21, 2010 by Minerva473