Social Neuroscience/Science Policy - Accepted at Georgetown, G. Washington, and University of Chicago... help!

[NeuroStudent]

I'm currently an undergraduate at an upstate NY liberal arts college, graduating in the spring. I've been accepted to the following master's programs:

George Washington University - M.A. in International Science & Technology Policy
University of Chicago - M.A. in the Social Sciences (I'd be working with social psychologists/social neuroscientists, with hopes of PhD study) (1/3 tuition scholarship)
Georgetown University - M.S. in Biomedical Science Policy & Advocacy

I'm unsure as to whether I want to go into science advocacy/lobbying or straight science, via a doctoral program, given the ruthless nature of the academic job market these days. I'm especially interested in "political neuroscience", or analyzing politics from a neuroscience perspective. I've always imagined myself as a scientist, and have numerous research ideas that my undergraduate advisers thought thesis-worthy, but I come from a middle-class background with many financial stresses and really can't afford to just stagnate for 10+ years before getting a decent university position. If I got into a good doctoral program, that might not happen though?

Here are other places I've applied, with acceptance/admittance information:
 

Stony Brook - December 15^th 2013  (Integrative Neuroscience, Ph.D.) - Haven't heard yet

City University of New York - December 1^st, 2013 (Psychology Ph.D. – Cognitive/Behavioral Concentration) - DENIED
Pittsburgh - December 1^st  (Neuroscience, Ph.D.) - DENIED

Northwestern - December 1^st (Psychology, Ph.D. - Brain, Behavior & Cognition conc.) - Haven't heard yet

Tufts - December 15^th (Experimental Psychology Ph.D.) - DENIED

Brandeis - January 15^th  (Neuroscience Ph.D) - Haven't Heard Yet

NYU - December 12^th  (Social Psychology Ph.D.)- Haven't Heard Yet

Cornell - January 1^st  (Human Development Ph.D. – Human Neuroscience program, new program!) - Haven't heard yet

Brown – December 1^st (Psychology, Ph.D.) - DENIED
Dartmouth - December 1^st (Experimental Psychology, Ph.D.) – Brain & Psychological Science Program) - Haven't heard yet


Basically, I'm looking to just open doors to a career, and break the cycle of financial hardship in my family. Assuming I don't get into a PhD, what are my options with the master's programs? What sorts of careers could I lead with those? All input would be appreciated, thank you!

Edited March 18, 2014 by NeuroStudent

[NeuroStudent]

Also, I'm a neuroscience major, government minor (B.S.) if that helps with projecting career prospects...

[thegirldetective]

If job marketability is your primary concern (and that is very reasonable!) you're probably better off with a science + policy MA rather than a straight science PhD. The DC schools, in particular, might open the door to some really good social/professional networks.

 

Have you asked about job placements for these programs, say immediately after graduation and within one year of graduation?

[NeuroStudent]

No, I've essentially just found out within the last week--and I'm currently studying abroad, so I've been a bit occupied. I know that Georgetown, G.W., and Chicago all have great name recognition... I was thinking that I should go for the Chicago degree just because it's Chicago, but that's being a bit superficial. I know that both the Georgetown program and GW's send a lot of people into doctoral programs and a lot of people in NGOs and advising.

[NeuroStudent]

I'll admit that I've never imagined myself as being anything other than a scientist, but my research aspirations (utilizing fMRI, electrophysiological methodologies, etc.) would require that I get into a major research university for which there would be tremendous competition. I think either Cornell's program or Stony Brook's program would be my best bets for getting the experience necessary to obtain such a position, so I'm very much hoping for either of those.

[NeuroStudent]

Shameless bump!

[psychologue]

You should contact the UChicago Institute of Politics and see if you could do career development stuff and/or integrated research with them while there.