American SIS vs. Columbia SIPA for International Development?

[Chris W]

Hi guys,

I have been accepted to both the Masters in International Development at SIS at American and the Masters in International Affairs program at SIPA at Columbia. I am having a tough time deciding between the two, and I'd to know what you all have heard of these schools and what your opinions are. Essentially, I have received more funding from American than from Columbia, which is a factor in my decision, particularly with the high tuition at SIPA.

Outside of finances, I worry that SIPA may be a bit too neoliberal, with faculty coming from places such as the World Bank and without much room to study other alternative methods of development. I also see that the employers of SIPA and SIS graduates differ significantly, with SIS graduates going more into international development contractors in DC and SIPA graduates working more with international organizations and foundations. Would this be an accurate assessment?

As far as the actual education I would receive at the two schools, what do you perceive as the differences? The SIS program seems much more research and traditionally academic where the SIPA program focuses much more on practice and professional development. Would this be a fair assessment.

Anyways, I'm just looking for any input from third parties on these programs to help me make an informed decision. Any opinions would be great.

Thanks!

[cplanicka]

Hi Chris,

Sorry to comment without making a vote, but I feel your pain as I'm in a similar dilemma. I am admitted to SIS for Masters Science Development Management, and SIPA for MPA-Development Practice. I have had some feedback from current students at both, and your perceptions seem pretty accurate to me. As far as employers, I think SIPA's stats are a bit skewed by how many students go into the private sector, but overall it does seem they go more for international orgs than SIS. My feeling is that it is easier to get a job in DC graduating from SIPA than getting a job in NYC graduating from American SIS (does that make sense? as in, its still easier to get a dc job or int'l job with a gov. org at American SIS that SIPA, but it is harder to get one in NYC, ie world bank or nyc-based ngos, with American than it would be for a Columbia SIPA grad to get a DC-based job).

As far as the neoliberal skew of SIPA, which I have heard as well, versus SIS, this is a brief excerpt from a current SIS student: "First of all, SIS is fairly left-leaning. I appreciate the viewpoints of my professors and colleagues, but there are few, if any conservative/liberal (in the economic sense) voices at the school."

Take that for what it is worth - and note that the student was studying International Peace and Conflict Resolution, FYI

Another thing to keep in mind is that, I think, SIPA has a much stronger alumni presence in the private sector (since much of their program is finance related). While you may be looking at NGO work or public sector work now, if somewhere down the road you transition to private sector that SIPA connection might be handy...

Well I'm not sure I've helped you any, aside from letting you know I'm trying to make a similar decision! Good luck!

-also Chris... P

[Chris W]

Hi Chris,

Sorry to comment without making a vote, but I feel your pain as I'm in a similar dilemma. I am admitted to SIS for Masters Science Development Management, and SIPA for MPA-Development Practice. I have had some feedback from current students at both, and your perceptions seem pretty accurate to me. As far as employers, I think SIPA's stats are a bit skewed by how many students go into the private sector, but overall it does seem they go more for international orgs than SIS. My feeling is that it is easier to get a job in DC graduating from SIPA than getting a job in NYC graduating from American SIS (does that make sense? as in, its still easier to get a dc job or int'l job with a gov. org at American SIS that SIPA, but it is harder to get one in NYC, ie world bank or nyc-based ngos, with American than it would be for a Columbia SIPA grad to get a DC-based job).

As far as the neoliberal skew of SIPA, which I have heard as well, versus SIS, this is a brief excerpt from a current SIS student: "First of all, SIS is fairly left-leaning. I appreciate the viewpoints of my professors and colleagues, but there are few, if any conservative/liberal (in the economic sense) voices at the school."

Take that for what it is worth - and note that the student was studying International Peace and Conflict Resolution, FYI

Another thing to keep in mind is that, I think, SIPA has a much stronger alumni presence in the private sector (since much of their program is finance related). While you may be looking at NGO work or public sector work now, if somewhere down the road you transition to private sector that SIPA connection might be handy...

Well I'm not sure I've helped you any, aside from letting you know I'm trying to make a similar decision! Good luck!

-also Chris... P

[Chris W]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for your reply. It actually does make me feel a lot better knowing someone is looking at basically the same decision as I am. I think I pretty much agree with what you have to say about jobs and DC vs NY.

I definitely fit the left leaning viewpoints at American over SIPA, but as far as what I want to go into, the job benefits of SIPA appeal to me more. But, at a campus as large as SIPA, I feel there must be a place for alternative viewpoints, no?

Also, I notice you are a PCV in Madagascar. I am a Volunteer in Paraguay! I swear out in 2 weeks. When are you done?

Maybe we can keep in touch and bounce thoughts off each other as we decide. Best of luck!

Chris W.

[carpecc]

I'd take a look at the faculty and classes offered. SIPA, as a big program, has a HUGE variety of classes offered, you can really get specialist here. I also agree that, based on my research, that the SIPA faculty are more practitioners while the SIS faculty are more academic. I think that gives SIPA a big leg up, so many times I feel academics are out of touch with the practicality of real work.

Also, the SIPA staff are so accomplished, there's so many great people to brush shoulders with compared to SIS. Hands down SIPA.

[Chris W]

Hi Double Shot,

Thanks for you input. I see you will be attending SIPA this fall. What prorgam/concentration?

Chris