International Development: York U or U of Ottawa?

[Ned]

Hi to you all. I hope the application/decision season has been kind to everyone.

I am an American that has been accepted at both York University and University of Ottawa for development studies MA programs (at U of Ottawa it’s called ‘Globalization and International Development' and at York U it's called 'Development Studies').

Does anyone have an idea about which of these 2 programs might compare? I have found it pretty difficult to get a handle on how these programs stack up against each other. I know they both have pretty small programs (between 20 and 30 students in each class), and I understand that Ottawa is the center of the humanitarian aid and development ‘industry’ in Canada. Besides that, I’m a little unsure as to which offer might be more attractive. I have yet to receive finalized funding packages in the mail, which will make a big difference; assuming the 2 are comparable price-wise after funding info arrives, which program would you choose if given the option to enroll in one or the other? I would really be kicking myself if I chose the 'lesser' of the two programs because I hadn't been able to hear some outside opinions from some people in the know.

Thanks very much for your opinions and thoughts on this, and good luck for those of you still waiting on Canadian admission decisions! Looking forward to moving North…

Edited April 4, 2011 by Ned

[veeto]

Congrats!! I am also waiting on the funding offer from York - I was told it should be mailed out by the end of this week. From what I understand, the York program has more emphasis on theory rather than developing students into practitioners. This makes it unique compared to most North American programs. Since I have a few years of experience, but didn't do a development undergrad, I am only interested in schools that have more of a focus on theory (so, essentially York and some European programs). If you don't have any field experience and are hoping to come out of the program ready to work in development, York might not be the best choice. Hard to say, since you haven't provided much information about yourself or what you hope to get out of your studies.

But you're right about Ottawa being the location for many of the development NGOs in Canada, so if that is a big factor for you, it's definitely something to consider. Also, I was told that there are only 17 first year MA students in the program year 2010/11, and that they intend to keep it under 20 for this year as well. Good luck with your decision! Maybe I'll see you in September...

[Ned]

Hi. Thanks very much for the response. I appreciate your perspective and am still looking into what I am going to be doing next year. I've actually been working in the Congo (DRC) for the past 5 years, so I have lots of practical skills but not too much exposure to theory. Thanks a lot for taking the time to get back to me.

Congrats!! I am also waiting on the funding offer from York - I was told it should be mailed out by the end of this week. From what I understand, the York program has more emphasis on theory rather than developing students into practitioners. This makes it unique compared to most North American programs. Since I have a few years of experience, but didn't do a development undergrad, I am only interested in schools that have more of a focus on theory (so, essentially York and some European programs). If you don't have any field experience and are hoping to come out of the program ready to work in development, York might not be the best choice. Hard to say, since you haven't provided much information about yourself or what you hope to get out of your studies.

But you're right about Ottawa being the location for many of the development NGOs in Canada, so if that is a big factor for you, it's definitely something to consider. Also, I was told that there are only 17 first year MA students in the program year 2010/11, and that they intend to keep it under 20 for this year as well. Good luck with your decision! Maybe I'll see you in September...

[veeto]

Good luck with your decision! If you want to chat about it at all, just send me a message. Also, I am in contact with a couple current students from York (via the Program Director), and that has been very, very helpful and informative. Also, let me know if you do decide on York!