Pls help me choose: UCSD IR/PS vs. CMU Heinz MSPPM

[Zhuoqing Li]

Hi guys! I know it's a little bit late to make final decision, but I still want to ask someone for help me to choose. For me, I'm a CHinese student with a international politics background, and I plan to pursue for a position in Private sectors or consulting firms, like some multinational corporations. Both of these two schools are very selective in its own fields.

IRPS MPIA:

Pro:

1. More business-oriented. This is the most factor that attarcts me. I'd like to choose the international manegement track (a little like a MBA) and I believe its a better fit for me according to my carrer goal.

2. Strong faculty like Susan Shirk and Barry Naughton.

3. San Diego

4. Emphasis on language study.

5. Strong quantitative training.

6. Good student-faculty connection.

Cons:

1. Less reputation compared to CMU. Especially in China more employer recognize CMU than UCSD.

2. MPIA is not a MBA. I have to try to tell employers what my degree looks like.

CMU Heinz MSPPM:

Pros:

1. Pracrical curriculum.

2. Extremely strong quantitative emphasis.

3. High reputation.

4. I can choose some courses in Teppers school of business.

Cons:

1. Pittsburgh seems to be less attractive to me, especially in job markets.

2. It is a public policy degree. I cannot convince myself pursuing for a MPP degree but going to Private afterwards. It does not match to my career goal. Although lots of people there go to private corporations, I believe it is harder for MPP graduates get into private than IR students.

Currently, it's only 2 days left for me to reply. I'm more leaning towards IRPS, and my girlfreind is going to USC as well. It's so urgent to me! Hope you guys can help me and offer me some advice! Thanks you so much!

[zerolife]

I've never heard of UCSD IR/PS and a quick googling showed me that it's an International Relations school specialized to the Pacific region. As someone who has graduated from an undergrad International Affairs / Relations program, I'm not really sure if IR will fit your career goal. Most of my IR buddies went into government, non-profits or went somewhere teaching English (ok I do have to mention that my school is in DC). However the course listing for UCSD IR/PS does show a lot of business related courses unlike the more well known IR programs like SAIS or SIPA so maybe it's not that bad at all for your career goal.

I'll be going to Heinz but for a different program (Information Security Policy & Management) and my understanding is that consulting firm is where most are heading to. MSPPM probably is not too much different.

I totally agree that Pittsburgh is a big minus ... but you don't have to stay there past the 1 1/2 years ... and I think the MSPPM program has an option where you can go to DC for a semester (or a year?)

However, your girlfriend going to UCSD is a big plus point for UCSD

Edited April 14, 2010 by zerolife

[Zhuoqing Li]

I'm a little surprised that you've never heard of IRPS. But as your school is in DC, I'm not that surprised. I think IRPS is very unique and relatively weak in politics, and have very limited connection in DC area. But the pacific focus is its strong point. I think IRPS definitely ranks top 10 in US IR schools. As a Chinese student, I think the pacific focus may be more important.

As for MSPPM, I think the job placements for international students like me are very different from American students. Usually we are restricted to get into government and some policy consulting firms. And I've heard the number of Chinese MSPPM candidates finding job in the US is 0. That is so scaring.

Anyway both these 2 programs are of good quality and what left to me is what to study: Public Policy or International Affairs? It's so annoying but it seems that international students of IR are less harder than international MPP candidates in finding jobs. (though both seems to be mission impossible)........so I'm 70% leaning towards UCSD now......thanks for your help

I've never heard of UCSD IR/PS and a quick googling showed me that it's an International Relations school specialized to the Pacific region. As someone who has graduated from an undergrad International Affairs / Relations program, I'm not really sure if IR will fit your career goal. Most of my IR buddies went into government, non-profits or went somewhere teaching English (ok I do have to mention that my school is in DC). However the course listing for UCSD IR/PS does show a lot of business related courses unlike the more well known IR programs like SAIS or SIPA so maybe it's not that bad at all for your career goal.

I'll be going to Heinz but for a different program (Information Security Policy & Management) and my understanding is that consulting firm is where most are heading to. MSPPM probably is not too much different.

I totally agree that Pittsburgh is a big minus ... but you don't have to stay there past the 1 1/2 years ... and I think the MSPPM program has an option where you can go to DC for a semester (or a year?)

However, your girlfriend going to UCSD is a big plus point for UCSD

[zerolife]

True, I would not expect to find a job in the US. I'm an international student myself and know that it's nearly impossible for me to find a Public Policy or even IR related job in the current market. I'm currently doing a business analyst type of job that has nothing to do with IR. At least three of my American IR buddies (yes US citizens) went to China to teach English ... to give you an idea how bad the job market is. Things might be better if you have a Master degree but I still wouldn't expect a lot. I would suggest to consider which program get you the furthest with your career in China, rather than in the US. In this case, it seems like UCSD is the better choice since it's focused on the Pacific region.

[Zhuoqing Li]

Thank you! Actualy I can imagine a little about the bad situation in US job market. And you are right, I may prepare myself to better get a job in China. In this sense UCSD may be a better fit. I think I'll go there!

True, I would not expect to find a job in the US. I'm an international student myself and know that it's nearly impossible for me to find a Public Policy or even IR related job in the current market. I'm currently doing a business analyst type of job that has nothing to do with IR. At least three of my American IR buddies (yes US citizens) went to China to teach English ... to give you an idea how bad the job market is. Things might be better if you have a Master degree but I still wouldn't expect a lot. I would suggest to consider which program get you the furthest with your career in China, rather than in the US. In this case, it seems like UCSD is the better choice since it's focused on the Pacific region.