University of Toronto MGA V. MPP

[JCJDav13]

Hey all,

 

I'm new to the site, having been recently introduced to it by a friend who is also applying for graduate studies. I have a question that I hope someone might be able to shed some light on for me.

 

I have been accepted to the University of Toronto for two different programs: the Munk School's Master of Global Affairs (MGA) and the School of Public Policy and Governance's Master of Public Policy (MPP). The former program is offering me a $7000 scholarship and the latter program one for $3000.

 

I still waiting on the results from two other schools which I actually prefer to Toronto but which are more competitive; meaning that I am not holding my breath.

 

In the likely event that I do attend Toronto, I will need to choose between the MGA and the MPP; however, I am having a great deal of difficulty determining which program will better prepare me for a career as a public servant (ideally with the Canadian foreign services). I have read the websites of both programs exhaustively and have surmised that the MGA has a strong international focus whereas the MPP seems geared towards the making and analysis of domestic policy. However, the MPP seems stronger than the MGA in its teaching of 'hard' analytical-skills that would be useful for work in a broad spectrum of different kinds of institutions.

 

That being said, I have found little material on the Internet directly comparing the two programs and so have been, as of yet, unable to confirm any of my conclusions. For this reason I decided to seek the aid of this forum.  

 

My goal during my master's degree - in contrast with my undergad, where I focused primarily on the acquisition of academic knowledge - will be to acquire hard skills that will enable me to pursue a challenging, stimulating, and rewarding career in public service. Given that, which program is superior?

 

Any advice would be deeply appreciated!