IUB SPEA Vs USC SPPD

[Kartik.Trivedi]

I have been admitted to IUB SPEA (MPA) and USC SPPD (MPP) for this fall. SPPD is offering 50% aid whereas I am still waiting aid info from SPEA. Since basic tuition for SPPD is double that of SPEA, the overall expenditure just evens out. So with what I have got right now, I am just looking at course and possible future prospects after completing respective courses. As I am applying from India therefore visiting either campus is almost out of question. What I have read from few threads over here is that SPEA is good in environmental subjects and USC is good in urban policy and related subjects. I would probably looking for pvt consultancy or international NGOs or international development agencies after completing my course. What according to you are strength and weaknesses of these courses and also these universities. How do they balance out against each other? You can comment on other points which you think that I have missed out but may prove relevant to me.

[amanda1985]

I can only speak of Indiana University...

I completed my undergrad at IU and although I was not a SPEA graduate, I recieved a minor through SPEA for Environmental Science and Health. I have also been admitted to SPEA's MPA and will be attending in the fall. SPEA is not only strong in Environmental Science and especially Environmental Policy, but other concentrations are top ranked. The Nonprofit Management concentration is ranked # 1 by US News and World Report. Unfortunately there is not a concentration for International Development, which is what I am also interested in, but I'm pretty sure you can develop your own specialization using courses from other departments, which is probably what I will have to do. As an undergraduate, I studied International Studies and have experience taking courses from various departments, so a specialization in International Development is feasible. Also, IU offers unique language courses that you cannot find in other universities, I believe they have one of the only kurdish programs??? There is a huge number of International Students at IU. As an undergraduate, most of my friends were from India and Pakistan, however most of these students studied at the Kelley Business School. Overall, I loved IU and I felt that SPEA's courses, at least for my minor, were some of the most interesting and practical courses I took as an undergraduate. If you are geared toward a professional career rather than an academic career in Public Affairs, then SPEA may be the best choice as they require an internship and a senior project as opposed to a thesis. Apart from academics, IU has one of the most beautiful campuses, best ethnic restaurants, and descent entertainment. The night life and bar scene could be a downside as IU has a reputation for being a "party" school and this may be distracting to serious graduate students.

[Kartik.Trivedi]

I can only speak of Indiana University...

I completed my undergrad at IU and although I was not a SPEA graduate, I recieved a minor through SPEA for Environmental Science and Health. I have also been admitted to SPEA's MPA and will be attending in the fall. SPEA is not only strong in Environmental Science and especially Environmental Policy, but other concentrations are top ranked. The Nonprofit Management concentration is ranked # 1 by US News and World Report. Unfortunately there is not a concentration for International Development, which is what I am also interested in, but I'm pretty sure you can develop your own specialization using courses from other departments, which is probably what I will have to do. As an undergraduate, I studied International Studies and have experience taking courses from various departments, so a specialization in International Development is feasible. Also, IU offers unique language courses that you cannot find in other universities, I believe they have one of the only kurdish programs??? There is a huge number of International Students at IU. As an undergraduate, most of my friends were from India and Pakistan, however most of these students studied at the Kelley Business School. Overall, I loved IU and I felt that SPEA's courses, at least for my minor, were some of the most interesting and practical courses I took as an undergraduate. If you are geared toward a professional career rather than an academic career in Public Affairs, then SPEA may be the best choice as they require an internship and a senior project as opposed to a thesis. Apart from academics, IU has one of the most beautiful campuses, best ethnic restaurants, and descent entertainment. The night life and bar scene could be a downside as IU has a reputation for being a "party" school and this may be distracting to serious graduate students.

Great...I am like 90% inclined towards SPEA and would most probably joining it this fall...and this piece of info is pretty good to have...thanks for your answer. I think that most of the well known univs offer enough amount of flexibility in terms of course selection...