US vs. Europe

[alfromn]

I'm in a bit of a bind here. I have been granted admission into a couple of programs and I need help making my final decision. The programs and funding packages are as follows in no particular order:

1. Msc in comparative politics (nationalism and ethnicity) at LSE (funded by family)

2. U of Arizona, PhD (fully funded)

3. U Conn, PhD (no funding)

4. Arizona State (awaiting funding decision)

6. University of Glasgow, MA

7. Essex, MA

My question is this: I am very torn between LSE and U of A. I am primarily concerned with the level of rigor at U of A. There is a faculty member that I am very interested in working with, but I ultimately would like to land a reasonably ranked research tenure track position, and I have the impression U of A is more focused on teaching. In other words, I am not convinced I will do as well on the job market with a Phd from U of A as I would from a potentially higher ranked program. What are the impressions of U of A?

On the other hand, the LSE program carries a great name and has a program that is very engaging to me. I feel that it would place me in a better position to find non-academia related work if I chose to leave academia after earning my msc. However after this one year program ended and I chose to remain in academia, I would have to go through this whole process again.

In short, LSE would likely be the end of my higher education experience for the foreseeable future, whereas U of A obviously would not be. Based on this criteria, which program would put in me a better career position in general?

Any input or thoughts are greatly appreciated as I am completely torn and need to make a decision pretty soon.

[laviola]

I think the choice is pretty obvious.. you want to go to LSE.

LSE as in London, right? When you say funded by family, do you mean you're from London? I know people that went there, they loved it, got good jobs after, but they were also from London and it didn't cost tons to go. If you're American and want to stay in the U.S., I would say U of A is the better choice - fully funded, opportunities to perhaps work in teaching after, but if you don't want to teach its trickier.

U of A I would say is more stable as a PhD but LSE would maybe give you what you want more. You need to decide whether you want more stability, more education, or if you want something quicker. I've looked into LSE too and it's a much more practical degree than a PhD, but it's also not as valued.

[Ironheel!!]

I'd agree with the LSE call except that if you want an academic career, you'll obviously need the phd. It appears that many have transitioned (improved their lot as they say) to better ranked programs after LSE. Arizona's not a bad place, but if your in for the gamble of applying again, I would think LSE would help.

Also, just out of pure self interest, are you on Uconns Alternate funding list?