SIPA v.s. MSFS

[EliZhang]

Hi guys. I am just overjoyed by the MSFS admission at this moment and starting to think over the choice between SIPA and MSFS. Honestly, I never saw myself making this choice. This may be an easy one for some, since MSFS is ranked top in ir programs, corrcect me if I'm wrong. But for me, it's sooooo hard since NYC is just so attractive to me. Forgive my ignorance and here comes the questions:

MSFS LESS QUANT FOCUSED THAN SIPA?

I had two years work experience in media and haven't take any quant courses since graduated from high school 6 or 7 years ago. Neither have I taken the micro or macro Econ courses. I'm worried that SIPA's quant and Econ-heavy MIA program would be too overwhelming for me. But on the other hand, they seem to guarantee better job placement after graduation?

MSFS MORE PROFESSIONALLY RECOGNIZED? ( IN IR OR PRIVATE SECTOR?)

I am an international student and I want to try my luck to find a job in the US 2years later, before coming back to my own country. In that case, the Columbia name doesn't seem to bear too much weight then, cuz msfs is more recognized within the country and the IR circle?

ALUMNI NETWORK IN PRIVATE SECTOR?

How do you guys think of the smaller size of the MSFS program and it's alumni network? I know there are a number of prominent figures who attended the program and later seized high positions in the state government, but as an international student I couldn't think too much about that. So how are MSFS alumni doing in the private sector? ( I wrote in my PS that private enterprises have been a key element in development solutions. I believed so and I don't feel ashamed to look for a job in the private sector after attending an IR program)

Any thoughts? There have been very little discussion about MSFS on this forum, esp compared with that of SAIS and SIPA. I'm glad if this post can spur some discussion. Many thanks to your opinions!

[dessert_indulgence]

I would love to know more about these two programs as well because I have to decide between SIPA and MSFS.

[EliZhang]

I would love to know more about these two programs as well because I have to decide between SIPA and MSFS.

same situation. What I didn't write about in the post was the tuition. I don't know if MSFS would give any funding. That will also be a decider.

[dessert_indulgence]

So, it looks like I will not be receiving any merit-based funding from MSFS. So, money is not the deciding factor anymore. If that's the case, which school should I attend, SIPA or Georgetown MSFS? I want to join the Foreign Service and gain expertise in gender policy. If I end up hating the private sector, I would like to get an MBA and work for consulting firms.

 

Pros - SIPA

1) It's in NYC. 

2) I can specialize in gender policy.

3) Joining the private sector is my backup plan if I do not like the Foreign Service, and SIPA might be better in this aspect (am I wrong?).

4) SIPA is more internationally recognized.

 

Cons - SIPA

1) NYC is more expensive than DC.

2) It seems like everyone gets into SIPA. 

3) Its class size is too big, and the program can feel impersonal.

 

Pros - MSFS

1) DC is cheaper than NYC.

2) Foreign Policy ranked this program as #1. It is more selective than SIPA.

3) The school provides a great network for those who wish to pursue a job in the Foreign Service.

4) There are about 90 people in your class.

5) Famous politicians and civil servants teach at this school. How cool would it be if I could TA for Madeleine Albright?

 

Cons - MSFS

1) Foreigners might not know where Georgetown is.

2) It is not in NYC.

3) I cannot specialize in gender policy.

 

So, any advice?

Edited March 20, 2014 by dessert_indulgence

[bfoo]

So, it looks like I will not be receiving any merit-based funding from MSFS. So, money is not the deciding factor anymore. If that's the case, which school should I attend, SIPA or Georgetown MSFS? I want to join the Foreign Service and gain expertise in gender policy. If I end up hating the private sector, I would like to get an MBA and work for consulting firms.

 

Pros - SIPA

1) It's in NYC. 

2) I can specialize in gender policy.

3) Joining the private sector is my backup plan if I do not like the Foreign Service, and SIPA might be better in this aspect (am I wrong?).

4) SIPA is more internationally recognized.

 

Cons - SIPA

1) NYC is more expensive than DC.

2) It seems like everyone gets into SIPA. 

3) Its class size is too big, and the program can feel impersonal.

 

Pros - MSFS

1) DC is cheaper than NYC.

2) Foreign Policy ranked this program as #1. It is more selective than SIPA.

3) The school provides a great network for those who wish to pursue a job in the Foreign Service.

4) There are about 90 people in your class.

5) Famous politicians and civil servants teach at this school. How cool would it be if I could TA for Madeleine Albright?

 

Cons - MSFS

1) Foreigners might not know where Georgetown is.

2) It is not in NYC.

3) I cannot specialize in gender policy.

 

So, any advice?

 

If you're interested in gender policy, you might want to check out the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. I believe they offer a class under MSFS. There are also several other opportunities for women leadership such as GWIA (Georgetown Women in International Affairs).

[justsomeguy75]

So, it looks like I will not be receiving any merit-based funding from MSFS. So, money is not the deciding factor anymore. If that's the case, which school should I attend, SIPA or Georgetown MSFS? I want to join the Foreign Service and gain expertise in gender policy. If I end up hating the private sector, I would like to get an MBA and work for consulting firms.

 

Pros - SIPA

1) It's in NYC. 

2) I can specialize in gender policy.

3) Joining the private sector is my backup plan if I do not like the Foreign Service, and SIPA might be better in this aspect (am I wrong?).

4) SIPA is more internationally recognized.

 

Cons - SIPA

1) NYC is more expensive than DC.

2) It seems like everyone gets into SIPA. 

3) Its class size is too big, and the program can feel impersonal.

 

Pros - MSFS

1) DC is cheaper than NYC.

2) Foreign Policy ranked this program as #1. It is more selective than SIPA.

3) The school provides a great network for those who wish to pursue a job in the Foreign Service.

4) There are about 90 people in your class.

5) Famous politicians and civil servants teach at this school. How cool would it be if I could TA for Madeleine Albright?

 

Cons - MSFS

1) Foreigners might not know where Georgetown is.

2) It is not in NYC.

3) I cannot specialize in gender policy.

 

So, any advice?

 

Hahaha ... I had the same feeling ... 

[dessert_indulgence]

I guess my problem is I'm more interested in gender policy in developed nations... SIPA has classes that deal with gender equality issues in developed nations while most schools only deal with gender equality issues in developing nations to discuss international development.

[dpgu800]

2) It seems like everyone gets into SIPA. 

I wish that were true.....

 

As for GT's reputation, in DC, GT is respected A LOT.

GT as a university is a fairly well-known institution even abroad, and I doubt any person who has the authority and power to shape your career prospects will not appreciate the academic reputation of GT (unless you go way out of your intended field)

 

Also, DC is cheaper in terms of housing on the surface, but it's still a hellhole for ppl trying to find a decent enough housing w/o being robbed blind.

It occupies a relatively small geographical area, so unless you want to live way out in NoVa or Silver Spring and commute (which is hell), housing is not much cheaper (esp if you want to live in an area that's fun)

 

Plus the sales tax in DC is over the top, and everything in general is so expensive.

 

As for SIPA being impersonal b/c it's so big, I think I read in some other post that, according to a SIPA student, it's still a nice community of like-minded ppl.

[dessert_indulgence]

I still cannot make up my mind!

[Cinnamon98]

Hey all,

 

First of all, CONGRATS !  I am also torn in between (and also Fletcher, but for now let's focus on MSFS vs SIPA). I have similar funding offers from both of them, and I cannot seem to make my mind up. I just wanted to share some information I have about these schools to stir the conversation. 

 

- Both of them are very well recognized internationally, so there is no need to worry about that. I work at the UN, and some of the most achieved Representatives are graduates of MSFS. I think many people in IR/ Foreign Affairs/International Organizations/Humanitarian Assistance fields are quite familiar with the school and its superb graduates. Georgetown seems to put a lot of attention to its students and graduates, and I am hundred per cent sure the Jesuit connection pays off when one tries to find employment at the field (Jesuits are everywhere) Plus Georgetown law is legendary, and I believe it's always good to have a couple of law classes in your resume for an international career. At least for my career

 

- Everyone has heard of Columbia, its name is super prestigious. I am friends with some of the graduates, and it seems that they always easily find employment in every aspect of international affairs. It offers the advantage of NYC, it has everything. I heard that in all courses students need to engage in group projects, and this creates a tight-knitted community. I have heard A LOT of complaints about career services - yet I would need to conduct more research about it before I comment on it. 

 

PROS:

 

Georgetown:

- Less people in the classroom (around 20)

- DC seems more affordable AND has the advantages of being the capital. 

- Amazing language courses, certificate programs

- It is known to be very academic, and has a dissertation option which is great for a PhD later on.

- Georgetown is known to provide quite well funding packages. It has higher rates of funding offers for the second year, compared to SIPA. 

 

Columbia SIPA:

- The more, the merrier? 

- NYC wide open

- Participation in classes at other schools, faculties

- It's all about group projects, as I heard from my friends. You must enjoy the very practical side of International Affairs and be prepared to receive more lectures from UN officers than an actual professor. 

- Well prepares for a professional life, through many many many internships and professional skills courses

 

CONS:

 

Georgetown:

- MSFS is quant. based as well. I have not taken any econ classes at college and majored in law, and I am already stressed. They want me to complete 2 econ courses by August 1, and receive a B or higher. But I knew what I applied for, and I will do my best to learn as much as I can before my studies. 

- It sometimes seems "super serious" and like an episode of a top-tier law drama, but it's just my impression from their website. 

- Does it feel claustrophobic?

 

SIPA:

- Not as flexible as MSFS, in terms of courses. Although one may decide whether to take easier/harder econ courses. 

- Language study is possible, but quite hard for practical purposes (at least what my friend claims)

- Every year % 30 of the second year students end up paying the full tuition as I read on grad cafe forums. 

- Does it feel too crowded? 

 

Please share more information about these schools, and correct me if I am wrong about the abovementioned. I would love to learn about your reasons for leaning towards one or another, and why. I would love to continue working at the UN, and actually work in an even more international setting at the field on humanitarian affairs and human rights. I hope you would have comments for me

 

In the end ----> Both are amazing schools, maybe it should all come down to funding?

[EliZhang]

@ Cinnamon98

I have friends from SIPA. From what they told me, you can always shift your concentration at almost the beginning of every semester.... So I wouldn't worry about the flexibility of the courses there. My friend is also an international student. Now at the graduation season, he is still grappling with employment. As he told me, cuz u have all those whose concentration is in finance and Econ, and the MBAs from Columbia's biz school and nyu's stern, it's quite hard for u if u wanna end up in private sector. I don't know much about your previous bkg, but I assume it won't be that hard for you cuz u have law in ur undergraduate major?

Question, You mentioned that language course are good at MSFS. Could you elaborate a little on that? I do wAnna learn a second language but I'm not sure if they offer intro level language courses. And do they count toward the GPA and the required credits for each semester?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts ;-))

[Cinnamon98]

@EliZhang

 

Hey again,

 

I really do not know about private sector employment, because I actually only looked at employment statistics at international organizations. I am indeed an international student, and I have a law degree  which I have been using it for the field of humanitarian affairs and human rights.  So for me both SIPA and SFS weigh similarly in terms of future employment opportunities, because I know that they opened a lot of doors for people who majored in this field. However, for private sector employment, I would advise you to check out the Linkedin pages of these schools. If you directly go to Columbia SIPA page for instance, you will see the employment statistics of all its Linkedin member graduates and could make a more informed decision on that. You could also e-mail or call the office of career services, and ask them to e-mail you the employment statistics for the last 3 years. I read it at grad cafe, many people in former years have done it. I hope this helps

 

I read about Georgetown language classes here: http://msfs.georgetown.edu/story/1242688880487.html  and a Georgetown graduate supervisor of mine once told me how he mastered Arabic there, and how good their language institution was. I think this is a major plus for Georgetown. 

 

On a side note, I want to ask something. I have never taken economics classes in my life , and now I need to complete one course in microeconomics and another one in macroeconomics with a grade B or better to start studying at Georgetown. Is anyone here familiar with such online courses? Could anyone pls advise me on this?