Qualitative based programs, instead of Quantitative

[texjew21]

What are some programs out there that are more qualitative based? 

 

Also what are typical careers you see come out of qualitative based public affairs programs?

[mintygreen]

Wish this thread would get some responses--I'm curious, too!

[soaps]

I think this just boils down to which programs are the least quantitative, and aside from SAIS, no one ever gives a consistent answer.

 

It's also unclear what you mean by qualitative public affairs program, since quantitative analysis is partly what defines those programs. But, for example, I applied for the MPhil in IR at Oxford, and they also have an MPhil in Politics. The MPhil in IR is a taught program emphasizing theory/history while also preparing people to be practitioners in foreign policy. It has some quant, but not nearly as much as American programs. It's also not necessarily a professional public affairs degree, but it's the closest thing I can imagine to a "qualitative" public affairs degree. Anything in the U.S. doesn't quite fit that label.

The MPhil in IR is also ridiculously hard to get into, though. Something like a 6% acceptance rate... :/ 

[awphenomenally]

From what I have seen, MPAs are a bit less quantitative than MPPs. The curriculum really varies between schools. Since I didn't apply to any IR programs, I can't say for certain. But I would imagine those are less quantitative as well. As soapwater noted, a MS may be a better route for someone that wants to avoid math.

[MPPgal]

From what they said in the student fair GW´s program is more qualitative and they, for example, look at verbal closer than your quant scores. Thus the reason I didn´t apply (I do not want management I want cost benefit analysis). 

[cptdelorean]

I am unsure why one would want a more "qualitative" than "quantitative" program? Is this like a MPA vs MPP thing? Or am I missing something?

[mintygreen]

I am unsure why one would want a more "qualitative" than "quantitative" program? Is this like a MPA vs MPP thing? Or am I missing something?

While quant training is, of course, a critical part of policy studies, programs vary in their philosophies on whether or not numbers can ever really "tell the whole story" of a given situation to be analyzed. Personally, I appreciate programs that delve into the theories behind the numbers and take into account the subtleties that numbers alone can't always convey--details that only come out in, say, case studies or observational research. I'm sure this is my sociology background speaking, but I think it's key to know something about the systemic and cultural framework--not just the stats--of the people/places you're studying. I was a little turned off, for instance, when someone at a Chicago Harris event said "we believe that absolutely everything is quantifiable." Maybe that's close to true, but I have my doubts.