Heinz MSISPM or UCI Sociology

[crock1255]

I got into Heinz' MSISPM with 12k/semester. I visited Heinz and I just got this sense that there is a A LOT going ont there and it's an interesting place to be. I'm interested in social networks, but I'm interested in doing applied research. Maybe work for a think tank or consulting firm or government when I'm done with school. My alternative is a PhD (full funding 5 years) in sociology at UC Irvine. I'm having a really tough time deciding between the two. Both have things going for them:

Heinz

Pro

Location (East coast is home for me)

Recruitment/job placement history

Strong name

Some cutting edge people/research going on

UCI

Pro

Really strong program in social networks

Seem to do some more applied research

Would potentially graduate as an expert in social networks (at least relative to an MA from Heinz)

Strong faculty in Networks - with one specifically doing really fascinating work (Got his phd at CMU - coincidence?)

THANKS!

Edited March 29, 2011 by crock1255

[CC139]

I got into Heinz' MSISPM with 12k/semester. I visited Heinz and I just got this sense that there is a A LOT going ont there and it's an interesting place to be. I'm interested in social networks, but I'm interested in doing applied research. Maybe work for a think tank or consulting firm or government when I'm done with school.

I am not familiar with the PhD you mention, so I can't say anything about it, except that while CMU is an expensive university even after the funding you received, cost-opportunity-wise it will be completed faster than a PhD, thus you could potentially start earning money earlier. And from what I've been told, the MSISPM degree is in great demand by employers.

However, I've been reseaerching CMUs program and it's my impression that the MSISPM is not research-oriented. At most, you have the final thesis option on the fourth semester, but that's about it. While I believe there is some faculty doing research on social networks, the nature of the program is more security policy oriented -you have several electives, though, that you could fill with classes on that specific topic.

[mppgal55]

I'd suggest emailing David Krackhardt and/or Denise Rousseau at Heinz - both are experts in Social Networks and they may be able to advise you further.