NYU MSc Global Affairs: Take it or Leave it as a Canadian Student?

[cynthias03]

Hi all, 

I've been accepted to the MSc in Global Affairs at the SPS in NYU. Super excited and happy when I got the offer. I love NY and living there has been a dream of mine so I'm very inclined to accept the offer. My goal is also to work in policy analysis and/or counter-terrorism/violent extremism in a think tank, NGO, international organization etc.

But my concerns are: 1) the cost: I'll have to take a loan of $80k-100k to cover tuition, living expenses + everything. BIG deal. 2) I'd want to stay in the US to work. What would my chances be to find work in NY or anywhere in the US as a Canadian citizen with a Master's from NYU? I've spoken to 2 alumni's from the program who went from Canada and one is working in NY and the other in Washington. 

Any advice would be appreciated

[PolPhil]

On 5/20/2019 at 8:47 PM, cynthias03 said:

Hi all, 

I've been accepted to the MSc in Global Affairs at the SPS in NYU. Super excited and happy when I got the offer. I love NY and living there has been a dream of mine so I'm very inclined to accept the offer. My goal is also to work in policy analysis and/or counter-terrorism/violent extremism in a think tank, NGO, international organization etc.

But my concerns are: 1) the cost: I'll have to take a loan of $80k-100k to cover tuition, living expenses + everything. BIG deal. 2) I'd want to stay in the US to work. What would my chances be to find work in NY or anywhere in the US as a Canadian citizen with a Master's from NYU? I've spoken to 2 alumni's from the program who went from Canada and one is working in NY and the other in Washington. 

Any advice would be appreciated

I'd say that the cost is only worth it if you are using it to leverage an acceptance to a top PhD program. If you want to go into industry or government, you're probably better off going to a Canadian university (much cheaper/funded) or funded US program. If you plan on working in NY specifically, however, this program may not be a bad idea.

[GradSchoolGrad]

On 7/10/2019 at 4:36 PM, PolPhil said:

I'd say that the cost is only worth it if you are using it to leverage an acceptance to a top PhD program. If you want to go into industry or government, you're probably better off going to a Canadian university (much cheaper/funded) or funded US program. If you plan on working in NY specifically, however, this program may not be a bad idea.

I think it is a viable option... HOWEVER, the challenge is that we are about to enter a recession... you will be competing with a lot of Americans in that area (especially those with military experience who have veteran's preference)... so you are taking on much higher risk + debt to do so. 

I have a friend who did that program and spent over 10 years paying off her debt (including living at her parent's home for over 2 years)... sooooo if you really want to do it, just know the risk and the cost. Also, keep in mind, this isn't exactly the top program for that area in the US - far from it. You are basically banking on the NYU brand, professors, and network.