Duke vs. Columbia

[SilverSoul]

Hello all,

 

 

MA in Political Science at Duke University

 

or

 

MA in Regional Studies: East Asia at Columbia University

 

 

No funding. International student from China.

Bachelor degree in Political Science. Interested in political economy, especially that in East Asian countries. Not decided whether to pursue a Phd degree yet. I'm not sure whether there're more internship chances in New York, or North Carolina may be satisfying too. And Columbia seems to have a better reputation in China. I really have difficulty in deciding which one to choose, so I hope you guys may give me some advice. Thanks a lot!

[localh85]

Were you accepted into Duke's MA for Political Science already? I have an app in there but have not heard yet

[PrincipalAgent]

I'm not particularly familiar with the East Asian program at either school, but for an MA I really think that reputation matters a lot especially if you're looking to land internships/jobs during your studies. 

[SilverSoul]

I'm not particularly familiar with the East Asian program at either school, but for an MA I really think that reputation matters a lot especially if you're looking to land internships/jobs during your studies. 

What if I'm going to pursue a phd degree? 

[PrincipalAgent]

If you're looking to pursue the PhD route, go to whichever program is going to allow you to develop your research skills. My bet is that Columbia is probably stronger in that area as well. 

[victorydance]

^ Agreed. Also, find out just how closely you can work with the political science department at Columbia in that area studies program, sometimes area studies programs in the US are quite balkanized. 

[SilverSoul]

^ Agreed. Also, find out just how closely you can work with the political science department at Columbia in that area studies program, sometimes area studies programs in the US are quite balkanized. 

Right. It's really necessary to know better about the details of the program. Thanks a lot!