NYU Global Affairs vs. Columbia Human Rights

[rach5698]

I'm trying to decide between an MS in Global Affairs (concentration in Human Rights/Humanitarian Aid) at NYU and an MA in Human Rights at Columbia.

I already have a ton of positive feedback about NYU and their website really does a good job of laying out the program. Currently I am leaning towards NYU; however, a professor told me she would hands down choose Columbia because of its reputation in the human rights field which is making me reconsider.

I'm leaning towards NYU because the MS degree seems to have more practical courses and offers a lot of field experiences whereas the MA seems strictly academic. That said, both programs a multidisciplinary and offer coursework in a multitude of schools (including SIPA and Wagner). Also, either way, I plan on interning in the field.

This would be a terminal degree--as of right now I don't plan on using it as a stepping stone to a doctorate. For the past two years I've applied for tons of jobs in the field and have found that most require a minimum of a master's degree. Someone told me that Columbia is a better choice if you plan on continuing your education but NYU is better if you are looking to get a job. I do plan on furthering my education but not until I've worked for a while in the field.

Does anyone have any advice??

[cath2024]

It sounds like you have a much better feel for the NYU program--I wouldn't let one professor's opinion sway you from all the reasons you outlined for preferring NYU. Honestly, the two schools will carry about the same weight on a resume, so you should choose the program that will best position you to get a job; that's definitely the most important thing in this economic climate.

Your last paragraph was contradictory though. Will this be a terminal degree for you or do you plan to get a PhD? You say you plan to "further your education" but if that's taking a few classes here or there, where you got your MA won't matter. It probably won't even matter if you did decide to go on for a PhD, they are both good schools. I'd pick the school that would a) best position me to get a job and offered me the most financial aid.

[rach5698]

I plan on working after getting my masters. At some point in my life I do plan on going on for a PhD...just not within the next 2-4 years.

Thanks for the input!