Georgetown GPPI vs Duke Nicholas

[beserene]

I have been admitted to these two programs and I don't know which one to go to...

There are three reasons to why I am torn in between:

 

1) The location:

 

Georgetown is located in Washington DC, where a lot of international organizations are located, which is a huge plus for me because I want to work in DC in the future after I graduate. I also have done an internship in DC and I am more familiar with the place than with North Carolina. One concern with going to Duke is that because it is located far away from DC, I am worried about getting less opportunities in getting a job in the future. 

 

2) The program:

 

If I go to GPPI, then I will be studying MPP program focused on environmental policy whereas if I go to Duke Nicholas, I will be doing the MEM (Master of Environmental Management) program following the environmental policy and economics track.  I believe that the program at Duke is going to fit me more because I believe that Nicholas program is more internationally oriented while the program at GPPI is more US-oriented (I think Georgetown's SFS would be the one to focus more internationally). Also, it seems like Duke is more renowned for its environmental program than Georgetown. 

 

 

3) Status as an international student:

 

I am an international student so a degree in MPP might just not be helpful after I graduate since many of students with the degree go into federal agencies. As for MEM, I think it will take a less toll against an international student because it is focused specifically on environmental management, not public policy. 

 

 

 

Please feel free to correct me with anything I have said above or give me advice in choosing between!

Thanks!

Edited March 19, 2015 by beserene

[demogurl]

What did you end up picking?