NIU or Western Michigan University? Philosophy MA

[Red_Herring]

Which would you pick for a master's degree in philosophy? Northern Illinois University's program or Western Michigan University's program?

[Atropos]

I applied to both, though I accidentally sent my stupid GRE scores to Northeastern IL instead, so I didn't get any funding from NIU. I also got accepted to a couple other top schools (ASU, SFSU), but WMU offered me the best deal. After the research I've done on the programs I think either one will help you. NIU seems like they might have a slightly higher placement rate, but WMU hasn't posted their numbers for the past couple of years (but all their previous years were good). 

 

Overall, I'd say that it comes down to which you would like more. Outside of class they both have horrible winters (I figure by Feb I will be cursing myself for not picking Arizona) and are not that far from each other. Both Schools have relatively small faculties as well. Look at what the faculty members specialize and are interested in, the class offerings, and perhaps send some emails out to current grad students at both departments, asking them what they think of their experience.

 

Either way, I don't think you can go wrong.