Chicago: CIR and MAPSS

[TorrentOfArdentPathos]

I have heard that Chicago PhD applicants who are not accepted are sometimes considered for the CIR or MAPSS programs.

Can anyone confirm this?

 

I am planning to apply to PhD programs next year.

If I was to mention in my Chicago SOP that I would consider doing either of those programs if rejected for the PhD, would that hurt my PhD application and/or improve the chances of me being considered for one of the MA programs?

 

Also, first post.

[adaptations]

As a former applicant to Chicago's PhD program, I can confirm that those who are rejected from the PhD program are considered for CIR and MAPSS. There is no need to mention your interest in these programs in your SOP,as you will be automatically considered.

Good luck.

For more info on CIR here's an older thread with come background, links, and opinions:

[TorrentOfArdentPathos]

Thanks adaptations!

[PhDreams]

Yep, that's true. MAPPS is pretty much a cashcow program for the school and everyone knows that. However, they have a really good rate of placing students into PhD programs upon graduation and they usually offer a standard 1/3 or 2/3 scholarship to attend the program. I've heard it's an intense and extremely rigorous year. It's a general liberal arts degree that can be specifically tailored to your interests, but I've heard of students not always getting a lot of guidance and faculty support. I know people who have hated it and others who thought it was a really great experience. I suppose it really depends on what you want out of it. If you don't get into PhD programs this year and get into MAPPS, I think it's a pretty good option instead of having a gap year. That is if you are willing to pay for it.

[waqfi]

Anyone else get into CIR? Got my acceptance yesterday. 1/3 scholarship.

[rhodeislander]

Anyone else get into CIR? Got my acceptance yesterday. 1/3 scholarship.

 

Hey Waqfi, I just got my acceptance last night: in with 1/2 scholarship! Really excited, since from what I've read CIR looks to be pretty up my alley, but still waiting on a few other programs. I was also happy to see they offer a small stipend to attend the open house on April 8th. Anyone else thinking about going?

[sm321]

Also thinking of going on the 8th. I didn't get in to a PhD program, but CIR seems like a really good program and I think it'll make me stronger for another application cycle.

[BornAndRaised]

Did you all apply directly or get in after being passed over for the phd? Cause I'm still waiting. 

[Master of Puppets]

I am on the same boat. I just want closure with Chicago. Hopefully, a happy ending.

[waqfi]

I just applied straight to CIR - I wasn't sure if I was cut out for the drudge of academia and CIR seemed like a good place to test if I have the gumption for it. If I do, I'll be well prepared to go on for a good PhD program hopefully, and if not. I'll have a respectable degree that I'm hoping can land me a job afterwards.

 

I'm planning to come to Admitted Students Day on the 8th - would love to meet up and have some friends to talk during it if any of you are going stag

[brandnewtothis]

I'll have a respectable degree that I'm hoping can land me a job afterwards.

 

I was wondering about this.  For people that decide not to do a PhD, or don't apply/get in right away, can CIR/MAPPS really provide good job opportunities?  What kinds of doors can it open?  Would it be viewed comparably with any other MA in international relations or politics?

Edited March 1, 2013 by brandnewtothis

[sm321]

I also applied directly to CIR. I have a few other MA options, and my concern regarding CIR is the same as the post above me. If I decide against pursuing a PhD, can CIR really place me in the public or nonprofit sectors?

[waqfi]

Search "CIR chicago" on this forum and you'll find some comments from former CIR alumni. I personally feel like it's very possible, you just have to be a go-getter and not expect a job to fall into your lap after you graduate without you trying to make connections. Like pretty much anything in life. It's just that at a place like Chicago the connection (again, I'm hoping) are better and hopefully easier to get given that you were deemed smart enough to even be admitted. Apparently CIR had a record number of apps this year, so the fact that we got in says something about us? We have dignity dammit.

[rhodeislander]

I've got the same concerns as the above two posters. I could basically go either way as far as academic career vs. policy career goes, and I think its pretty well established that CIR is great for the former, but the latter...I'm honestly just not sure yet. Will I have the same standing in potential employers' eyes as a graduate of SAIS/SFS/Fletcher when looking for jobs in DC? I do get the impression that the majority of the class actually does end up in some kind of policy career as opposed to academia, and TRIP ranked Chicago fairly highly on its "Pipeline to the Beltway" list, but I guess I just haven't seen enough concrete evidence about what most CIR grads are doing after graduating to be totally reassured yet. Basically, I just want to know that if I don't go into academia the degree will still be a valuable asset in finding a job.

That one concern aside, I do think the program looks really cool for a variety of reasons, and if I can just get the reassurance that CIR grads who don't go into academia end up with the same opportunities as the other top programs I think I'll be good to go!

[waqfi]

What I intend to do at this point is get either a) selected as someone to do a 2nd year specialization or enroll in a second year with the Haaris School so I can graduate with two Master's: the theory-based CIR degree and a practical public policy degree from Haaris.

 

Or...I get accepted into a better chool like Jackson or SIPA. Then I gots some hard decisions to make!

[rhodeislander]

What I intend to do at this point is get either a) selected as someone to do a 2nd year specialization or enroll in a second year with the Haaris School so I can graduate with two Master's: the theory-based CIR degree and a practical public policy degree from Haaris.

 

Or...I get accepted into a better chool like Jackson or SIPA. Then I gots some hard decisions to make!

 

I'm waiting for my other decisions as well, some from schools that are higher ranked. The thing is, barring one of them offering me a full ride (unlikely, to say the least), Chicago will be by far the cheapest option due to its funding offer and one year length. And for someone who's considering academia and the years of mean living that go with it, that's no small consideration.

 

2nd year at Harris...that's actually not a bad idea! I wonder if that's commonly done...

[rhodeislander]

Anyone else accepted into Chicago CIR?

Also, are there any current Chicago and/or recent alums out there who would be willing to share their thoughts? I'm curious specifically about what concentrations CIR is strongest in and where most CIR grads eventually wind up professionally.

Edited March 18, 2013 by rhodeislander

[BornAndRaised]

Is anyone going for the Visit Weekend?