Syracuse vs Korbel, both full tuition fellowships. Advice Please!

[Zebonefarsi]

Hi all,

I've been fortunate enough to receive a full 2-year tuition fellowship from Korbel for MA in Security Studies and a full tuition fellowship + 12k stipend from Syracuse, Maxwell MAIR program. I am torn since I know Korbel has a better rep for Security Studies, but Maxwell is giving me more money plus I can finish in 16 months vs Korbel's 2 years. Also I am interested in studying Middle Eastern security issues and have heard Maxwell has a better alumni base. Can anyone enlighten me on the pros and cons of the schools from a more inside perspective? Many thanks in advance!

[gotmusic702]

Wow, what a nice position to be in. I don't have an inside perspective so I'm not going to be much help. But I am also trying to decide b/w these two schools and have the same academic interests as you - Security Studies with a Middle East focus.

I'm leaning toward Maxwell but my reasons may not apply to you. One of which is its Global Programs. I have not studied abroad and am eager to get this under my belt and I love that Maxwell has plenty of opportunities already set up for students. If you have plenty of abroad experience this won't be much of a plus for you.

I am also attracted to Maxwell's certificate options. While earning my MA I can get a certificate in Middle East Studies and Advanced Security Studies. I also like that Syracuse lets you audit language courses for free. But since you're having everything paid for, that doesn't matter much.

Why do you say Korbel has a good Security Studies reputation? I've heard its students say that but have never seen a legitimate source indicating that Korbel has a top program for security.

Right now, the only pro on my list for Korbel is that Denver is a better location. But if Korbel is really known for its Security program I'll have to add that to my list.

Congratulations on your fellowships! If Georgetown or SAIS throw money at you as well, you're really going to have a tough decision.

[DeepShadeofBlue]

I've heard the same about Korbel. Its security program is currently ranked 12th by Foreign Policy Magazine. http://www.du.edu/today/stories/2009/05/2009-05-05ranking.html But that's about all I've heard about the program. It's in a prime location too...and cost of living would be significantly cheaper too.

[flyers29]

What is it you're planning to do after graduation? Just asking as I'm finding that school reputation doesn't matter so much in government work. I'm not familiar with Syracuse's security offerings, but Denver has a great program for someone doing Middle East/security. I'm very much an advocate of taking all the money you can, though, so Syracuse should be very much a consideration if there isn't a huge gap between the two programs.

[Zebonefarsi]

Thank you for your replies! Do you guys think if I already have a lot of study/work abroad experience that Syracuse would not be as good of a choice as Denver? I really like Syracuse's study abroad options, especially if I can go to schools in the Middle East during my last 2 terms. I think this would both help my language skills (Arabic and Farsi) as well as getting contacts. However, if I already have abroad experience, would it be better to use that to bolster my theoretical knowledge at Denver? I'd most likely be working in analysis with the government.

[kabutar]

I can't comment on the programs because I know nothing about what you want to study, but just think if you're in Denver you'll be within a stone's throw of so many awesome ski resorts...

[ugachaca]

Both are nice options, but if you're looking to do any serious data analysis/quant work, perhaps you should not opt for Denver. With that said, i have no idea as to the strength of Maxwell in this regard. My sister went to Korbel (when it was GSIS) and is doing quite well, but she specifically cautioned me not to apply/go there because of weak quant training. The one qualifier i'll toss in is that she graduated in like '03 or '04, so perhaps they've shored up the program in that regard. You should ask some questions if this is a concern to you. Good luck with your decision!

[gotmusic702]

Have you thoroughly examined the course offerings? From what I've gathered, Denver definitely has the better Security courses but Syracuse has more of a selection with Middle East courses, plus the opportunity to study abroad in the ME.