Penn State SIA

[christina2006]

Hi, I was recently admitted to Penn State's School of International Affairs, and I would like to know if anyone can give me their input about the program.

I've researched their website and scanned the internet for info and from what I found it seems like a pretty good program with good professors, but I would like to see what others have to say.

I've been wait listed at American University, got into Boston University and still waiting to hear from NYU.

Are their good career opportunities coming out of Penn State's SIA? Boston Univ?

Thank you very much in advance for your help.

[jph5125]

I'm currently a PSU undergrad in International Politics. The SIA school does not manage my major (Political Science oversees undergrads), but because SIA are allowed to schedule 400 level classes as electives I have met a few of them in my courses. If you're wondering 400 level classes are the highest level courses for undergrad and grad classes start at 500, but grads are allowed to schedule some special topics 400s with approval.

Anyway to address your question, I haven't heard any negative things about PSU SIA except that it is a completely unknown program in the field. I believe this year will be their 2nd or 3rd graduating class. SIA is located in the new Dickinson Law School building with a private library (and parking) at the outer edge of campus. This is nice for PSU graduates as Penn State has an overabundance of undergrads thanks to the university's inability to manage a budget (i.e. there are too many people and not enough places to study or use a computer).

As far as opportunities go I haven't heard of any trouble securing good internships--many students are able to do DC internships. However, post-graduation seems tougher due to the lack of a professional International Affairs career network. You have access to the university's career network, but that network is not populated with as many IR professionals as other universities. You also run into the problem of PSU being located in the middle of rural PA. If you are looking for an extra-curricular activity related to the field there are many student groups, but as far as local part time jobs, internships, and volunteering related to IR good luck.

To sum it up in my honest opinion the program itself is not bad and seems to have great faculty. At the end of the day though, you're not getting good career connections or opportunities that other established programs can offer. Unless they are giving you substantial aid or you qualify for in-state tuition I would not even consider this program if you got admitted to AU, BU, or NYU.

If you have any questions about PSU in general (housing, campus, administration, etc) I would be happy to answer them.

Good luck with your other programs and hope AU decides to admit you

[christina2006]

I'm currently a PSU undergrad in International Politics. The SIA school does not manage my major (Political Science oversees undergrads), but because SIA are allowed to schedule 400 level classes as electives I have met a few of them in my courses. If you're wondering 400 level classes are the highest level courses for undergrad and grad classes start at 500, but grads are allowed to schedule some special topics 400s with approval.

Anyway to address your question, I haven't heard any negative things about PSU SIA except that it is a completely unknown program in the field. I believe this year will be their 2nd or 3rd graduating class. SIA is located in the new Dickinson Law School building with a private library (and parking) at the outer edge of campus. This is nice for PSU graduates as Penn State has an overabundance of undergrads thanks to the university's inability to manage a budget (i.e. there are too many people and not enough places to study or use a computer).

As far as opportunities go I haven't heard of any trouble securing good internships--many students are able to do DC internships. However, post-graduation seems tougher due to the lack of a professional International Affairs career network. You have access to the university's career network, but that network is not populated with as many IR professionals as other universities. You also run into the problem of PSU being located in the middle of rural PA. If you are looking for an extra-curricular activity related to the field there are many student groups, but as far as local part time jobs, internships, and volunteering related to IR good luck.

To sum it up in my honest opinion the program itself is not bad and seems to have great faculty. At the end of the day though, you're not getting good career connections or opportunities that other established programs can offer. Unless they are giving you substantial aid or you qualify for in-state tuition I would not even consider this program if you got admitted to AU, BU, or NYU.

If you have any questions about PSU in general (housing, campus, administration, etc) I would be happy to answer them.

Good luck with your other programs and hope AU decides to admit you

[christina2006]

Oops accidently hit reply too soon on the prior post. Anyways, thank you for your input! I greatly appreciate it. You made some valid points that I am now taking into consideration. If I have anymore questions, I'll be sure to ask you!

[saldi507]

Hello!

 

I am a current student in the Graduate program of SIA at pennstate.  This fall was my first semester and I have already fallen in love with the program.  We have an amazing recognized faculty with many connections. My ideal job is to become an ambassador in the future.  One of the reasons why I choose pennstate is because the faculty is recognized in their field of expertise and in the future I hope to get a related job. If you have an opportunity, I would check out some of the bios from our faculty. Some have been or are ambassadors of countries such as Argentina or Australia others have worked in the CIA or other governmental offices. If you want to check out their bios take a look at our  website  http://www.sia.psu.edu/faculty.  Not only is our faculty great and have awesome connections but they are also very approachable and friendly.  Regarding your question about part time jobs, internships and related work there are always opportunities out there in our field and our program does a great job keeping all the students posted with the many opportunities that arise.  In my experience, I am glad that I choose SIA at pennstate. I  have gotten many rewarding experiences already and it has only been my first semester. I hope I was able to answer some of your major concerns but if you have any further questions ill be glad to answer any of them.