NYU pre-phd track, MAPSS, or Columbia Master of polisci

[geniusme]

Hi, I am a student majoring in philosophy and politics at the university of hong kong and I am pursuing a career at US, either phd or JD. I haven't committed to either path, journalism interests me as well, that's why I took the master path for this year. As you could tell, I have relatively low interest/ credential in quantitative methods. My choices are listed below

1 Master of political science in Columbia with no thesis; and this year with no phd student, the master student size will be doubled. Though the director of master program said that the ratio of studnet/adviser would remain roughly the same. The project is really expensive but I get to do what I like in political theory and I got access to great job opportunities in NGO or jounalism stuff- placement record ok, I guess? total expense around $ 85000

2 Master of political science with a pre-phd track in NYU. half of the tuition provided, total amount of tuition+personal expenses roughly $60000, also great job opportunities,  but less credentials compared to Columbia as in Ivy League, right?

3 MAPSS in Chicago, many teachers I like, great phd placement record- but not in NYC. And attention-related issue seems to be troubling for polisci. total expense roughly $60000 as well. 

Thanks guys! I have been struggling with making a decision for so long!!!

[LetsGetThisBread]

On 4/23/2021 at 6:47 AM, geniusme said:

Hi, I am a student majoring in philosophy and politics at the university of hong kong and I am pursuing a career at US, either phd or JD. I haven't committed to either path, journalism interests me as well, that's why I took the master path for this year. As you could tell, I have relatively low interest/ credential in quantitative methods. My choices are listed below

1 Master of political science in Columbia with no thesis; and this year with no phd student, the master student size will be doubled. Though the director of master program said that the ratio of studnet/adviser would remain roughly the same. The project is really expensive but I get to do what I like in political theory and I got access to great job opportunities in NGO or jounalism stuff- placement record ok, I guess? total expense around $ 85000

2 Master of political science with a pre-phd track in NYU. half of the tuition provided, total amount of tuition+personal expenses roughly $60000, also great job opportunities,  but less credentials compared to Columbia as in Ivy League, right?

3 MAPSS in Chicago, many teachers I like, great phd placement record- but not in NYC. And attention-related issue seems to be troubling for polisci. total expense roughly $60000 as well. 

Thanks guys! I have been struggling with making a decision for so long!!!

Honestly, the NYU option sounds like your best bet. From an global perspective NYU does not have the instant name dropping value of Columbia maybe, but the difference is so negligible and all of their advanced degrees are highly, highly respected and their PhD students get fantastic jobs. I’m doing my PhD in anthropology, and our hiring committee would take both of those PhDs, especially from the right candidate, evenly. 

Edited April 26, 2021 by LetsGetThisBread
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