UT Austin LBJ School programs

[krismith]

Hi, I am currently applying to the LBJ School at UT Austin, and am torn between the MGPS and MPAff programs. I am more interested in policy on an international scale, so I think the MGPS program would be a good fit. But, it looks as if I can tailor an International Affairs focus in the MPAff program. Anyone that can speak to either of these programs with any recommendations? Also, would it be easier to secure funding in either one, as I am an out-of stater, and am hoping for some sort of financial support. Thanks you for any thoughts!

[crock1255]

Same boat. Would love to hear someone's thoughts. I was thinking about doing the masters + Peace Corps option, which limites me to nonprofits or international energy. I'm much more interested in the latter, so if anyone has any thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

Hi, I am currently applying to the LBJ School at UT Austin, and am torn between the MGPS and MPAff programs. I am more interested in policy on an international scale, so I think the MGPS program would be a good fit. But, it looks as if I can tailor an International Affairs focus in the MPAff program. Anyone that can speak to either of these programs with any recommendations? Also, would it be easier to secure funding in either one, as I am an out-of stater, and am hoping for some sort of financial support. Thanks you for any thoughts!

[bgreenster]

I'm also looking at both, although leaning towards the MPAff since it does seem quite flexible. Did either of you come to a conclusion between the two?

I'm fairly certain I am going to go the Public Affairs route because I'm planning on focusing on international non-profit management. Through the MPAff, I'm thinking I could combine the International Affairs and non-profit specializations. I'm hoping to work for human rights and democracy-based NGOs in the future, which I feel can be covered really well through this program.

However, there are still some things I prefer in the MGPS program. I like the idea of the group project at the end, the core courses seem more interesting, and I feel like I could use my language proficiency (I majored in Spanish in UG and I speak another random language thanks to Peace Corps) to my advantage.

I never considered it before, but my interest is also being piqued in UT's dual degree program, where maybe I could also go further in Latin America Studies. I feel like the more I try to look into things, the more stuff I find out and want to do!

The website makes it seem like the differences should be obvious, and the website is almost condescending about people asking that question (per the FAQ page) but it doesn't appear to be all that glaringly different.

I'd love to hear thoughts from either of you two, or anyone else on these boards.

[CC139]

Hi, I am currently applying to the LBJ School at UT Austin, and am torn between the MGPS and MPAff programs. I am more interested in policy on an international scale, so I think the MGPS program would be a good fit. But, it looks as if I can tailor an International Affairs focus in the MPAff program. Anyone that can speak to either of these programs with any recommendations? Also, would it be easier to secure funding in either one, as I am an out-of stater, and am hoping for some sort of financial support. Thanks you for any thoughts!

I had the same question when applying and after some reading, I think the main difference between them is that the MPAff, despite its name, is a policy-analysis degree with a quant focus while the MGPS seems to be a very broad international affairs program. Also, if you're looking into pursuing a dual degree, some are only availiable for MPAff and not MGPS students (like Business and Planning).

Depending on your specialization, the MPAff can be tailored at least at a general level to your international interests, however, the MGPS has specific concentrations on international issues.

On funding, as you can see on this years thread, several applicants to both degrees received generous fellowships.

[bgreenster]

I had the same question when applying and after some reading, I think the main difference between them is that the MPAff, despite its name, is a policy-analysis degree with a quant focus while the MGPS seems to be a very broad international affairs program. Also, if you're looking into pursuing a dual degree, some are only availiable for MPAff and not MGPS students (like Business and Planning).

Depending on your specialization, the MPAff can be tailored at least at a general level to your international interests, however, the MGPS has specific concentrations on international issues.

On funding, as you can see on this years thread, several applicants to both degrees received generous fellowships.

I actually thought the same thing, but thought I must be wrong because of the names. It seems counter-intuitive that "Public Affairs" is more based on policy while "Global Policy" is more based on international affairs. I'm thinking of emailing the heads (as the site suggests) to see which would be a better fit. I think I could technically do either, but I actually don't want a very quant-based program, unlike a lot of the people on this board! I'm particularly nervous over the Quant requirements (I would DEF have to take that summer refresher course they have) because I passed out of Stat and Calc through high school APs and so haven't taken a legit math course (other than one Probability class) in almost 10 years.

Luckily, both MPAff and MGPS offer Latin American Studies dual degree program. I do feel more comfortable with the MGPS program, I just wish they had a non-profit concentration. Ah well, they have a development one which I could do and maybe take electives for non-profit management or something. I'll message the school and post their reply.

Thanks for the reply CC139, it helps to see I'm not completely misinterpreting what I'm reading!

[legs]

I'm going to be starting the MPAff program at LBJ in the fall, and during the Open House day a few weeks ago I had an interesting conversation with a current MGPS student. She made the comment that the MGPS program has a lot of kinks to work out, and still is in somewhat of a development phase, since it's so brand new. When she saw I was MPAff, she said, "Oh, you'll be fine. That's been around forever, and that's a well oiled machine." Thought it was an interesting data point to add to your decisions.

[bgreenster]

I'm going to be starting the MPAff program at LBJ in the fall, and during the Open House day a few weeks ago I had an interesting conversation with a current MGPS student. She made the comment that the MGPS program has a lot of kinks to work out, and still is in somewhat of a development phase, since it's so brand new. When she saw I was MPAff, she said, "Oh, you'll be fine. That's been around forever, and that's a well oiled machine." Thought it was an interesting data point to add to your decisions.

Hmm, definitely good to know. I feel like I read something similar in another post. I wonder if that sort of thing makes it easier to get accepted, though, or maybe even easier to make a more individual plan of study? I also wonder what kinds of kinks she means- like difficulty in making a cohesive program plan, or not having the proper classes being offered at the right times and such?

Congrats on getting in- enjoy!