Ph.D. vs. SAIS vs. Duke MPP vs. Maryland MPP

[mpp_applicant]

I want to study development and go to work at UN/USAID/think tank/NGOs, etc. I would enjoy academia and teaching, but it is not my career goal. Here are my options:

1. Ph.D. in Public Policy in small dept at large, respected state U. Would-be adviser a well-published development economist with work for UNICEF and NGOs. Fully funded with stipend for all five years. Of his recent advisees: one dropout, one at USAID, one at think tank. Total est cost: Free

2. SAIS M.A. in int'l development program (DC campus). No grants, only federal loans. Total est cost: 90-120K (depending on second year scholarships)

3. Duke Sanford M.P.P. 25K given in grants. Total est cost: 50-60K

4. U. of Maryland M.P.P. Half grad assistantship. Total est cost: 40-50K

[flyers29]

Well, I think you first need to decide whether you want to do the Ph.D or just the MPP. If you do the latter, I'd say keep your costs down and do Maryland.

[jaggedblade]

I want to study development and go to work at UN/USAID/think tank/NGOs, etc. I would enjoy academia and teaching, but it is not my career goal. Here are my options:

1. Ph.D. in Public Policy in small dept at large, respected state U. Would-be adviser a well-published development economist with work for UNICEF and NGOs. Fully funded with stipend for all five years. Of his recent advisees: one dropout, one at USAID, one at think tank. Total est cost: Free

2. SAIS M.A. in int'l development program (DC campus). No grants, only federal loans. Total est cost: 90-120K (depending on second year scholarships)

3. Duke Sanford M.P.P. 25K given in grants. Total est cost: 50-60K

4. U. of Maryland M.P.P. Half grad assistantship. Total est cost: 40-50K

I think you need to check your math for Maryland. The half-graduate assistantship covers all tution except approximately $1500 per year. Therefore, your total cost would be $3000 plus approximately $20000 room and board (for 2 years). Your total cost for Maryland would be $23,000, not 40-50k.

[stilesg57]

The big thing here is deciding if you want a PhD or an MPP. They're both ENTIRELY different study, research, and career paths. If you choose PhD you've got your answer; if you choose MPP and have any questions about Sanford shoot me a message. Good luck, you've got a good "problem" to have!