UC San Diego IR/PS

[can-bra]

As an international student who has been accepted into the MPIA program at UCSD (with funding), just wanted to get a better sense for its reputation in policy circles in the US (inc career prospects in the public - non-govt - sector). I've read many of the threads here and not many posters seem to have applied/expressed an opinion, despite its relatively high ranking amongst IR programs. I have also been accepted at LSE and am waiting on SAIS and UHEID in Geneva. Given I already have high-level govt foreign policy experience in my own country, I'm more concerned about employer recognition in the US (partner studying there) and Latin America (inc international orgs). Would greatly appreciate any local knowledge.

[globalsun]

As an international student who has been accepted into the MPIA program at UCSD (with funding), just wanted to get a better sense for its reputation in policy circles in the US (inc career prospects in the public - non-govt - sector). I've read many of the threads here and not many posters seem to have applied/expressed an opinion, despite its relatively high ranking amongst IR programs. I have also been accepted at LSE and am waiting on SAIS and UHEID in Geneva. Given I already have high-level govt foreign policy experience in my own country, I'm more concerned about employer recognition in the US (partner studying there) and Latin America (inc international orgs). Would greatly appreciate any local knowledge.

IRPS is still a young program and its influence in the policy circles is minimal. It is designed for individuals who want future careers in East Asia or Latin America, which seems to suit your situation. But its relative rank is not that significant as it the programs feeds off the more respected Economic and Political Science Phd programs at UCSD. That along with its extremely generous admissions rates (55%) has made me less interested in attending. You will get a great education though...

Going to SAIS would give you a lot more immediate recognition in the DC policy corridor while LSE is an good bridge to Phd or Law programs. Out of curiosity, how much aid is UCSD offering you?