Programs like Columbia's QMSS masters?

[junebug62]

I'm very interested in Columbia's Quantitative Masters in the Social Sciences program. Are there any non-PhD programs out there similar to it? The mixture of quant+social science seems like a win, plus they seem to place all right in PhD programs and jobs. I only hesitate because (1) I fear the "what the hell is a masters degree in quantitative social science?" reaction, even if it is from Columbia. (2) the quality of the thesis papers on their webpage seem like a mixed bag, suggesting uneven advising and student quality and (3) It doesn't seem all that competitive to get in. The program FAQ and GradCafe Search results note many acceptances past the deadline.

Yes, I'm a status whore when it comes to grad school, but I do care about program substance as well. I'm on the fence about getting a PhD, and a masters program like this at least seems to offer marketable job skills should I change my mind. My priorities are to get academic research experience, better math/stats/programming skills, and cultivate better letters of recomendation for a PhD application in Public Policy or Political Science, with an exit strategy being return to my same old government job.

http://qmss.columbia.edu/

Any one out there been in the program, applied, or know of alternatives? Chicago's MAPSS springs to mind, but it seems less rigorous and more cash cow than this program, which from what I can tell is not a PhD-reject pile...But even Chicago's thesis papers on the website looked better than Columbia's...

[natofone]

It sounds good and might be helpful on paper. If you've never done research and/or went to a mediocre undergrad, it seems like a good option to get you research experience, test out grad school, and get better letters from Columbia faculty in your research area. But expect to pay a ton for it. It is a cash cow for sure, but so what if you get what you want out of it.

[oasis]

Q: Does QMSS offer any kind of dept funding (tuition remission, grad assistantship)? May be a cash cow, but I'm all outta milk... *moo*