NYU vs. Harvard- educational tech programs

[jkm88]

Hello,

 

I am just curious if anyone has any familiarity with educational media design and what graduate programs are the best.

 

Right now, I am torn between my acceptances into New York University's Digital Media Design for Learning master's, and Harvard's Technology Innovation and Education master's program.

 

Pros for NYU:

-It's two years, requires a thesis

-Active research in improving science ed through gaming

-Possible connections for PhD programs at Berkeley

-Both studio and theory-based instruction

-Seems to do a good job with combining ideas from cognitive science with ed tech and design

-Could do an internship over the summer

 

Cons:

-More expensive

-I'm not a city person so blah for living in NYC

-It's not Ivy League (does this matter for such a program though??)

 

Harvard Pros:

-It will end up being much cheaper

-It's HARVARD

-Possibly more networking opportunities?

-Lots of visiting speakers and seminars

-I think I would enjoy Cambridge more than NYC

 

Cons:

-It's only a year with no thesis

-Have to squeeze an internship in during that year; it's optional

-Classes seem more theory based; idealistic

-Unsure if I would be prepared both professionally and if I wanted to get a PhD

-Seems to be geared towards returning professionals

 

Sorry for the long post. I guess my ultimate question is- Should I go to Harvard because it's Harvard? For eclectic master's programs like this, does the Ivy League status matter?

 

Thanks in advance for any input!

Edited March 20, 2013 by jkm88