Getting from PoliSci/Socio BA to an MPA?

[rachigungho]

I've been seriously spending the last few days looking at graduate study options and also work opportunities, and found that I keep stumbling into GradCafe posts. All the replies seemed helpful and enlightening, so I thought I'd give it a try.

I am about to go into the final year of my 3-year Bachelor of Arts (in Sociology, Politics and International Relations) at the University of Melbourne. I will graduate by June of next year, and I am trying to figure out where I can go from here. I want to go into Development, but as I understand it, that particular field of study is econ-heavy, whereas I have no economics background whatsoever. My long-term goal is to go into Indonesian government or international governance and work to alleviate poverty, and so far as I can see Development is the way to go!

I have so far been looking at a number of MPAs and MPPs and I'm convinced that I will never get into either because I have no economics background. Is there really no way that I can get into these programs? Should I be pursuing a different course?

I guess maybe more urgently, should I be looking for a graduate study option or should I be looking for work? It's problematic that graduate schools require you to have worked, since where I'm from, without connections, you can't get anywhere at all unless you're properly educated...

What should I be doing? This summer I will be interning at an international affairs research institute, in the hopes that it will help me clarify what field I should go into in the future, and perhaps help me break into the whole international development thing/scene/workforce.

Any thoughts?

My questions, again are:

- Should I be pursuing graduate study or work at this point?

- What kind of work / What kind of graduate program should I be looking at?

- What is the difference between an MPA and an MPP?

- Am I doomed to never take an MPA because of my lack of Econ?

Thank you for taking the time to look this through--heaps of thanks in advance for taking the time to reply.

[lottesnk]

Seems like you've got a lot of decisions in front of you! Don't stress out. And don't get discouraged from applying to MPP or MPA programs because you lack economic courses.

International development sounds like a fitting program for you!

I haven't applied to MPP programs yet, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt.

Spend you final year at university taking any quantitative courses if you haven't already. Each graduate program is unique, so I don't think economics will make or break your application. However, taking econ prior to grad school will ease your transition into your program.

In the U.S., an MPP is more policy analysis (heavy emphasis on microeconomics and statistical analysis -- regressions, cost-benefit analysis, finance, program evaluation) while a masters of public administration (MPA) is designed for those seeking managerial training e.g., leadership, public budgeting/finance, management. People with an MPA generally have professional experience (depending on the program) and/or seek to work in government.

**MPA can also stand for masters of public affairs, which can be similar to either aforementioned programs. Also, the distinction between MPP and MPA isn't mutually exclusive. Many programs try to offer both analysis and management to varying degrees.

In my experience, working 2-3 years after undergraduate has definitely strengthened and honed my career goals. Since working in the public sector, my focus in public policy has changed considerably (e.g., I'm more inclined to work for city/local government than work at the federal level. Also, I've realized program evaluation doesn't interest me). Finding a job in your field can be hard in this economy, but I urge you to work for at least a year after graduating. Maybe do an international fellowship or year of public service. Graduate school really isn't a time to "discover" yourself or interests like undergraduate. You go in with specific goals of skill sets and information that you want to obtain, then you're out into the career world yet again. 2 years passes quickly.

Also, from my friend's experience, students who have work experience prior to entering an MPA/MPP program have had more success at landing a job post-graduation. I'm not too sure about ID, but i would think the same holds true. Employers seek those with proficient foreign language ability, international experience (e.g., Peace Corp), and a masters (criteria for USAID). Of course, all this depends on the positions you're interested in.

If you decide to work, you can also take online or evening courses that will prepare you for graduate school.

Ultimately, do what you feel is right for you. Do research -- talk to admissions directors, professionals, alums to learn about the industry. Good luck!