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Posted

Hi Everyone,

 

While I am still waiting to hear back from several other schools, I feel honored that I was admitted to the MPP program at UChicago.  As I begin to explore my options, I am curious to get feedback from current students about the strength of the program's international policy concentration.  I intend to pursue a career in the foreign service after obtaining my degree, but according to the view book, nearly half of alumni from the last two years live and work in Chicago (only 5% international).  This would signal to me that the program has more of a domestic (perhaps even local) emphasis, but I would certainly be happy to hear I've misspoken.

 

Any and all feedback from current/former students would be much appreciated!

 

Many Thanks!

Posted

Hey gatsby,

 

I am also considering going to Chicago and have the same concerns. I contacted team Harris, and also received an email from a current international student (I am international myself). I am sure it will be useful to contact team Harris (they seem really open to inquires) and ask this questions. It's interesting that Harris has a lot of international students, but still only 5% of international alumni placement. Probably it means that internationals are happily accepting local jobs inside the US, or go to work with international bodies inside the US - UN, IMF, WB. I will ask this question too, so, hopefully I will give you detailed answer later. Please let us know if you will find something interesting. Are you planning to attend "On the MaPP"? I hope to see you at UChicago this Fall =)

 

Good luck!    

Posted

Make it 3! I've been accepted to Chicago, it's probably my #1 option. I have a couple of questions.

 

1. I wasn't offered a merit based scholarship (I've heard they're a little stingy), how do Harris students typically pay for their degree's?

2. Is the school a "factory" for any particular industry or company?

3. (More relevant to this thread), how much international "work" do graduates get?

  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Just feedback I heard from a professer while visiting Georgetown GPPI--Chicago is NOT the place to go if you're planning to pursue international affairs/development.  I also heard the same from a current Georgetown student.  I'm guessing this impacts Chicago's international job placement.  My impression from speaking with Chicago's admissions director is they (like NYU Wagner and Berkeley Goldman) are trying to revamp their international programs appeal, though they're not quite up to par with other schools like SIPA, SAIS, etc.  All gossip, but maybe helpful to hear! 

Posted
Just feedback I heard from a professer while visiting Georgetown GPPI--Chicago is NOT the place to go if you're planning to pursue international affairs/development.  I also heard the same from a current Georgetown student.  I'm guessing this impacts Chicago's international job placement.  My impression from speaking with Chicago's admissions director is they (like NYU Wagner and Berkeley Goldman) are trying to revamp their international programs appeal, though they're not quite up to par with other schools like SIPA, SAIS, etc.  All gossip, but maybe helpful to hear! 
And gossip, I might add, from a program invested in both recruiting you and guarding their own reputation as a top IA school ;)
Posted (edited)

Thanks lobsterphone.  I actually have two other great options more in line with my interests and professional goals, so UChicago is out of consideration.  For others who had my question though, here is the response I got back from Team Harris:

 

So the way the Harris curriculum is structured is that everyone takes the same classes over the first two quarters or so and then everyone can focus on their policy concentration over the remaining year/ year and a quarter. The logic is that everyone should learn the fundamentals of economics/ statistics and policy analysis (which are topics that can be applied at a global scales) before they apply these to their different disciplines. 
 
Haven said that, both Harris and other departments in the University (which are open to Harris students) offer ample classes on International Related issues. Around 40-45 % of the student pool is international, and I would say most of them are interested in doing work abroad and their focus is on non-domestic policy. 
 
I suggest you take a look at the Committee on International Affairs and Public Policy Student Group at The Harris School (perhaps contact the chair) 
 
And at the Harris classes: 
 
Also, if you are interested, there exists a joint-degree program between Harris and the Committee on International Relations:
 
In a nutshell, the program is not focused on domestic policy, rather, it is a flexible program that can be curved according to ones' interests.
 
I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any other questions.
Edited by gatsby8724
  • 5 months later...
Posted

Hello there! I am very interested in the dual AM/MPP program at UChicago. Having my undergrad degree in Social Work, I don't have much quant courses (thinking back, maybe 1 econ course, and 2 math courses). Is this really going to hurt my chances, or do the current Harris students know of many accepted students in this position? Thanks so much!

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