Cornell CIPA vs American SIS

[kt221]

Hi All,

 

Curious if anyone has any input or can offer advice on two programs before I make my decision for grad school. I am interested in International Development and in a variety of issues such as sustainability, natural resources, global health, etc. I am much more interested in practice rather than policy. 

 

Options: 

American University, ~10k total funding, Dual MA International Affairs (American) and MA Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (UPEACE in Costa Rica)

Cornell CIPA, ~30k total funding, MPA (concentration: International Development) 

 

When all is said and done it looks like I would be in roughly the same amount of debt for each program. I really like both programs and they offer a different approach to development from one another. I like the environmental focus of American but worried it may be a bit too focused for my future career (unsure I want to work on environmental policy but love all course descriptions). I like the flexibility of CIPA but curious how quant heavy the program is? The core courses aren't my favorite (economic and quant analysis) but I would be able to choose from a ton of courses for the concentration that can span agriculture, health, etc. that really interest me. 

 

Are both programs ranked about the same? Would networking and finding a job afterwards be easier at one vs the other? I have not had the chance to visit either campus either and it doesn't look like I will before the April deadline. Curious how student life is at both as well. 

 

Any input is greatly appreciated!   

 

 

 

[britt_elysee]

I'm in the same place. Choosing between SIS, SAIS, and ESIA. All development programs. Any advice would be welcomed!

[arbitist]

Hi All,

 

Curious if anyone has any input or can offer advice on two programs before I make my decision for grad school. I am interested in International Development and in a variety of issues such as sustainability, natural resources, global health, etc. I am much more interested in practice rather than policy. 

 

Options: 

American University, ~10k total funding, Dual MA International Affairs (American) and MA Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (UPEACE in Costa Rica)

Cornell CIPA, ~30k total funding, MPA (concentration: International Development) 

 

When all is said and done it looks like I would be in roughly the same amount of debt for each program. I really like both programs and they offer a different approach to development from one another. I like the environmental focus of American but worried it may be a bit too focused for my future career (unsure I want to work on environmental policy but love all course descriptions). I like the flexibility of CIPA but curious how quant heavy the program is? The core courses aren't my favorite (economic and quant analysis) but I would be able to choose from a ton of courses for the concentration that can span agriculture, health, etc. that really interest me. 

 

Are both programs ranked about the same? Would networking and finding a job afterwards be easier at one vs the other? I have not had the chance to visit either campus either and it doesn't look like I will before the April deadline. Curious how student life is at both as well. 

 

Any input is greatly appreciated!   

 

 

I'm in the same place. Choosing between SIS, SAIS, and ESIA. All development programs. Any advice would be welcomed!

 

Hello,

 

I'm a current student at CIPA, and i'm happy to talk about the program.

 

Like kt221 mentioned, the flexibility of CIPA is a big draw. You have to do three core courses in three main areas : Econ, Quant and Public Administration but beyond these 3, it's really all upto you to design your degree. I'm focussing on Economic Policy and International Development, and although it's not really a formal concentration, I have been able to take courses that fall into these two categories. All CIPA asks is for your course-choice to be justified and i've been able to do that. (For eg., I am taking a few poverty related classes that are not really 'CIPA') There is a lot of exposure to the field of international development here: you get to travel to developing countries through the SMART program, the international capstones have great clients and you can choose to do your summer internship in the field as well. CIPA places a lot of weight on alumni relations so you'll build a lot of contacts while you're here. 

 

Ithaca is small and sort of remote, but it is a town that is totally made up of students. I have really enjoyed my stay here (the winter was horrible though). 

 

Hope this was useful. Let me know if you have any other questions. 

 

Best,

A

[vananhdo]

On 4/2/2015 at 1:44 AM, arbitist said:

 

 

 

Hello,

 

I'm a current student at CIPA, and i'm happy to talk about the program.

 

Like kt221 mentioned, the flexibility of CIPA is a big draw. You have to do three core courses in three main areas : Econ, Quant and Public Administration but beyond these 3, it's really all upto you to design your degree. I'm focussing on Economic Policy and International Development, and although it's not really a formal concentration, I have been able to take courses that fall into these two categories. All CIPA asks is for your course-choice to be justified and i've been able to do that. (For eg., I am taking a few poverty related classes that are not really 'CIPA') There is a lot of exposure to the field of international development here: you get to travel to developing countries through the SMART program, the international capstones have great clients and you can choose to do your summer internship in the field as well. CIPA places a lot of weight on alumni relations so you'll build a lot of contacts while you're here. 

 

Ithaca is small and sort of remote, but it is a town that is totally made up of students. I have really enjoyed my stay here (the winter was horrible though). 

 

Hope this was useful. Let me know if you have any other questions. 

 

Best,

A

Hi arbitist, 

Would you mind sharing with me why you chose CIPA instead of SIPA and Duke? It would be great to hear your experience as I am overseas and can't visit the school to understand how it works there.