SIS Dual Degree, JD/MA International Affairs

[Futurelawyerchick]

So my whole plan was to go to law school for international humanitarian law, etc. I love Washington College of Law (American U) and Ive been accepted to their dual degree with SIS. I haven't done a lot of research about the reputation of SIS but it seems like its really solid. I have the option of just pursuing the Masters portion if I want too, so I am considering that because of how expensive law school is and the legal market.. but I would appreciate it if any past or current applications can enlighten me on SIS. Do they place well internationally? Is the degree *really* recognizable abroad, in places like Europe? In DC, is it overshadowed by Georgetown and GWU? (That is the case for the law school, at least). Is competition tough in DC for SIS students? What about need-based aid/paying for it? You don't tend to graduate with exorbitant amounts of debt right? Honestly, I am so ignorant about grad school in general because it was always about law school, but my passion is International Relations (my undergrad major) and I knew I would love taking those classes and I wanted the added expertise. However, the debt that I would incur for law school is making me doubtful. Any advice is helpful, thanks!

Edited March 23, 2012 by Futurelawyerchick