ADMITTED - Georgetown SFS Security Studies Program F15

[Money]

Most of us have seen the thread for SFS & Security Studies, but since the broader program (SFS) vs SSP vs all of the other schools within SFS have slightly varying requirements/announcements/deadlines/etc., this thread serves to bring the specific F15 admitted SSP student body together to discuss:

 

• Upcoming events (i.e. accepted student day, matriculation, orientation, etc.)
• Requirements/deadlines (i.e. immunization form, enrollment checklist, course registration)
• Courses/concentrations/curriculum
• Where to live/roommates
• Financial aid/scholarships/GI Bill
• Veterans advice/military transition
• General questions/advice
• Anything else SSP related that I didn't think of...

Happy discussing and congratulations!

 

 

- Money

[potatopower12]

Most of us have seen the thread for SFS & Security Studies, but since the broader program (SFS) vs SSP vs all of the other schools within SFS have slightly varying requirements/announcements/deadlines/etc., this thread serves to bring the specific F15 admitted SSP student body together to discuss:

• Upcoming events (i.e. accepted student day, matriculation, orientation, etc.)
• Requirements/deadlines (i.e. immunization form, enrollment checklist, course registration)
• Courses/concentrations/curriculum
• Where to live/roommates
• Financial aid/scholarships/GI Bill
• Veterans advice/military transition
• General questions/advice
• Anything else SSP related that I didn't think of...

Happy discussing and congratulations!

- Money

Hey, I posted this in the other thread. Hope it's okay to post here too.

I was accepted into SSP but with no funding. It's my dream school, but I'm not sure I can justify the debt. I have no idea what the average salary is for the security field, and so I can't judge if the debt is worth it.

What do you all think?

Edited March 30, 2015 by whaynes2

[Atlas445]

Hey, I posted this in the other thread. Hope it's okay to post here too.

I was accepted into SSP but with no funding. It's my dream school, but I'm not sure I can justify the debt. I have no idea what the average salary is for the security field, and so I can't judge if the debt is worth it.

What do you all think?

 

I'm in the same boat.  For me it's entirely between GWU's Elliott School Security Policy Studies program (with a merit scholarship offer), and an unfunded offer from Georgetown's SSP.  Any current or former students in either program with thoughts about their relative strengths, weaknesses, alumni networks, career centers or job prospects post-graduation?

[potatopower12]

I'm in the same boat. For me it's entirely between GWU's Elliott School Security Policy Studies program (with a merit scholarship offer), and an unfunded offer from Georgetown's SSP. Any current or former students in either program with thoughts about their relative strengths, weaknesses, alumni networks, career centers or job prospects post-graduation?

I wish I would have applied to GW! I didn't even think I had a chance for Georgetown, but my school made me apply. Now I regret not applying to more prestigious programs!

[Money]

I wish I would have applied to GW! I didn't even think I had a chance for Georgetown, but my school made me apply. Now I regret not applying to more prestigious programs!

Brother, Georgetown's is the most prestigious of the foreign service programs. It's no coincidence that some applicants were accepted into GWU/Harvard HKS/Columbia SIPA/Korbel but were not accepted into SSP.

You are not at a real disadvantage in any foreign service program, but SSP/SFS is Georgetown's flagship (like the Law school is Harvard's flagship).

Therefore, the advantage of SSP IS the prestige, the curriculum, and the professor cadre. SSP averages 95% job placement for its students in both the private and public sectors.

Proximity is another key advantage, which SSP shares with GWU. If your intent is to land a job connected to the beltway, there's no better place to do that than in the beltway.

[potatopower12]

Brother, Georgetown's is the most prestigious of the foreign service programs. It's no coincidence that some applicants were accepted into GWU/Harvard HKS/Columbia SIPA/Korbel but were not accepted into SSP.

You are not at a real disadvantage in any foreign service program, but SSP/SFS is Georgetown's flagship (like the Law school is Harvard's flagship).

Therefore, the advantage of SSP IS the prestige, the curriculum, and the professor cadre. SSP averages 95% job placement for its students in both the private and public sectors.

Proximity is another key advantage, which SSP shares with GWU. If your intent is to land a job connected to the beltway, there's no better place to do that than in the beltway.

For sure! I really never expected to get in.

Like I said, it's my dream program, and I want to work in the beltway. I'm just so concerned with the amount of debt I'd accrue. I appreciate you giving me stats and such; I had no idea about the placement rate! Thank you!

[Money]

I'm in the same boat.  For me it's entirely between GWU's Elliott School Security Policy Studies program (with a merit scholarship offer), and an unfunded offer from Georgetown's SSP.  Any current or former students in either program with thoughts about their relative strengths, weaknesses, alumni networks, career centers or job prospects post-graduation?

 

Atlas - see my post above to Whaynes.  Job opportunities will inevitably present themselves to you in either place - that will be determined by your merit (grades) and how much you network while you're there.  I'm not familiar with the stats at GWU, but like I said - 95% job placement out of SSP.  That's pretty damn good.

 

But, if funding is a major factor for you, then make your decision based on that.  You will still be in prime position for a job after a GWU education, the only limiting factor is how much you want said job, and what you're willing to do to make it come to fruition.

 

There are fellowships/assistantships offered by several private and public sector organizations that you could apply for...basically it would entail an employment obligation to the prescribed organization in exchange for funding that you can apply towards tuition.  Many of the mainstream public sector departments offer such things, and there are usually great internship opportunities that go along with them.

 

Best of luck.

[Guest]

I see that some people have bought up GWU. If anyone cares, as of now, I'm attending GWU with no funding and will just rely on federal work-study (semester + summer jobs positions), federal loan forgiveness programs, and whatever security/intel that career I will get 'post' graduate school life. Excluding Georgetown, I feel that GWU is the next program that is best in line for people like me who want to get into intel and regional/transational security. There are not many universities out there that have a niche for security+ intelligence combined together.

 

Sorry to hijack this thread. I know that many of us here have some intense decisons to make at the moment. Good luck.

Edited March 30, 2015 by Guest

[Money]

Thanks for your input.

Please let's keep this forum focused on SSP.

Edited March 30, 2015 by Money

[Atlas445]

Atlas - see my post above to Whaynes. Job opportunities will inevitably present themselves to you in either place - that will be determined by your merit (grades) and how much you network while you're there. I'm not familiar with the stats at GWU, but like I said - 95% job placement out of SSP. That's pretty damn good.

But, if funding is a major factor for you, then make your decision based on that. You will still be in prime position for a job after a GWU education, the only limiting factor is how much you want said job, and what you're willing to do to make it come to fruition.

There are fellowships/assistantships offered by several private and public sector organizations that you could apply for...basically it would entail an employment obligation to the prescribed organization in exchange for funding that you can apply towards tuition. Many of the mainstream public sector departments offer such things, and there are usually great internship opportunities that go along with them.

Best of luck.

Thanks Money, but what I was looking for was if anyone on here who is currently attending the SSP program or graduated from it could share their experience with the rest of us. All the DC schools have strong programs, but when choosing between them it can feel (or at least it does to me) like splitting hairs. So I was just curious about a current or former student's perspective on these programs to gain some insight into what they liked, didn't like, and their opinion on career outcome. I already live and work in the DC area so I'm overly familiar with the job scene out here and the value of networking, but I also know that things like prestige can and do influence job decisions out here so I was interested in a current or former student's experience with that as well. Edited March 30, 2015 by Atlas445

[SnakePliskin207]

Congrats to all those accepted to the SSP! I am tracking the admitted students day is April 10. Is anyone going up there to visit? I for one will be there as I have never been to visit Georgetown. I'm definitely excited to see the campus and would enjoy linking up with some of you there.

[Atlas445]

Congrats to all those accepted to the SSP! I am tracking the admitted students day is April 10. Is anyone going up there to visit? I for one will be there as I have never been to visit Georgetown. I'm definitely excited to see the campus and would enjoy linking up with some of you there.

 

Where did you find their admitted student's day?  Haven't seen anything about it yet, but if it's the 10th that's the same day as GWU Elliott School's admitted student's day lol.... THE DILEMMA CONTINUES!

[SnakePliskin207]

Where did you find their admitted student's day?  Haven't seen anything about it yet, but if it's the 10th that's the same day as GWU Elliott School's admitted student's day lol.... THE DILEMMA CONTINUES!

 

Atlas445, I wrote an email back to Tyler Browne (the admissions director at SSP).  He told me 10 April was the visitation day.  I also called the admissions office and one of the folks there told me the same day, 10 April.  This is all supposed to release in an email "soon".  I wanted to get this info because cost of travel obviously increases the more time you wait.  I don't have any further details on the schedule of events, but I may just call them today, get that info, and publish it on this forum as well, haha. 

 

Yes I know 10 April is the same day as GWU Elliott School.  My admission packet is still "pending review" from another committee as I switched my admissions packet from their International Affairs Program to the Security Studies Program about a month ago.  This was based on recommendation from the Elliot Schoo's admissions department since I had only one language classes in undergrad.  At this point, I plan on just visiting Georgetown SSP on 10 April.  Hopefully I will meet ya'll there. 

[Atlas445]

Atlas445, I wrote an email back to Tyler Browne (the admissions director at SSP).  He told me 10 April was the visitation day.  I also called the admissions office and one of the folks there told me the same day, 10 April.  This is all supposed to release in an email "soon".  I wanted to get this info because cost of travel obviously increases the more time you wait.  I don't have any further details on the schedule of events, but I may just call them today, get that info, and publish it on this forum as well, haha. 

 

Yes I know 10 April is the same day as GWU Elliott School.  My admission packet is still "pending review" from another committee as I switched my admissions packet from their International Affairs Program to the Security Studies Program about a month ago.  This was based on recommendation from the Elliot Schoo's admissions department since I had only one language classes in undergrad.  At this point, I plan on just visiting Georgetown SSP on 10 April.  Hopefully I will meet ya'll there. 

 

Well, I guess I can only choose one admit day to go to...  I'll see you at the admit day for Georgetown.  And nice avatar Snake, maybe I should change my username to some variant of Judge Dredd.

[SnakePliskin207]

Well, I guess I can only choose one admit day to go to...  I'll see you at the admit day for Georgetown.  And nice avatar Snake, maybe I should change my username to some variant of Judge Dredd.

 

Atlas445, I was just admitted into GWU Security Policy Studies program this morning.  Right now I am thinking that I will only be able to visit Georgetown the weekend of 10 April.   

 

What would you all say are the main distinctions between the Georgetown SSP and GWU SPS programs?  If I am limited on time for the weekend of 10 April, I'm planning to prioritize on Georgetown since its program is #1. 

 

Thanks for the avatar compliment, Lieutenant S.D Bob "Snake" Plissken is my role model, haha.

Edited March 31, 2015 by SnakePliskin207

[Atlas445]

Atlas445, I was just admitted into GWU Security Policy Studies program this morning.  Right now I am thinking that I will only be able to visit Georgetown the weekend of 10 April.   

 

What would you all say are the main distinctions between the Georgetown SSP and GWU SPS programs?  If I am limited on time for the weekend of 10 April, I'm planning to prioritize on Georgetown since its program is #1. 

 

Thanks for the avatar compliment, Lieutenant S.D Bob "Snake" Plissken is my role model, haha.

 

I've been trying to compare these two programs to the best of my ability as a researcher (it's what I do for a living), and I gotta say it's a tough comparison.  From my research I get the impression that Georgetown's SSP is more academically rigorous (more required readings, mandatory attendance - if you miss a class it hurts your grade, if you miss two you'll be removed from the class).  Upon comparing faculty at the two institutions I found that Georgetown's SSP faculty seems to have more professionally experienced individuals that have specialized in security related issues in their own careers, whereas GWU's SPS program faculty have resumes with more time spent in academia (not necessarily a bad thing, but would give Georgetown an edge in terms of faculty networking opportunities).  The class scheduling and offerings at Georgetown contain more classes specifically geared towards security and are designated as such with the SEST-xxxx coding system.  The class scheduling and offerings at GWU seem to be more sporadic, with certain classes (that would be interest to me) not being regularly offered and many of them designated to other departments such as HIST-xxxx, PSC-xxxx, IAFF-xxxx (History, Political Science, International Affairs), etc.

 

I feel that the main difference between Georgetown's SSP and GWU's SPS program is that at Georgetown the SSP is the primary program at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, whereas at GWU the SPS program, while the second most popular program, is secondary to their MA in International Affairs.  I think this is why the curriculum at GWU's SPS program is less restrictive leaving the structure and courses largely up to the determination of their students.  GWU's SPS program offers several specializations, but they are fairly open to a variety of classes, some of which would be seemingly unrelated to one another but still contained with the same specialization.  Specific classes on certain subject matters aren't always going to be available, and some of which may have not been available for the past year (potentially longer).  While Georgetown's SSP offers a variety of different classes, there definitely is a sense that the curriculum becomes more restrictive by virtue of choosing a specialization .  However, there is definitely some overlap in the classes a student can take to fulfill a specialization and other program requirements at Georgetown.

 

In terms of events and guest speakers both programs have had a wide variety of very prestigious and important speakers available to their students/programs and plenty of events designed to enhance the educational experience while offering additional career development opportunities.  I think that both programs have career services departments that are well fleshed out, providing their students with access to numerous opportunities in their fields and providing services that would further enable students to find gainful employment (resume writing, practice interviews, etc.).

 

My final thoughts would be that the two programs are fairly evenly matched with Georgetown having a slight edge in terms of professors that may be more valuable to network with (depending on your career goals) and class offerings specifically designated for their Security Studies Program.  Though this is purely my opinion based on the research I've done, I think what pulls Georgetown's SSP just slightly into the lead is that there seems to be more resources being devoted to this program relative to its counterpart at George Washington University's Elliott School.

 

Personally, I'm very interested in studying terrorism, insurgency and counterinsurgency, which there seems to be greater offerings for at Georgetown, and less so at GWU.  I also found that more of Georgetown's faculty have professional and academic experience with this subject matter, which is of interest to me.  However, the prospect of taking on $64k+ debt is certainly cause for concern.  My hope was that there may be some current students or alumni from either of these two programs lurking around these boards that could offer more insight into their strengths/weaknesses, but unfortunately it looks like we'll be left to sort a decision like this out on our own.  At this point I am still undecided and frustrated that both of these programs are having their admitted student's day on the 10th.

[SnakePliskin207]

Atlas, I don't think you can do wrong in either program honestly. You have to do what is best for you though. I would never advise someone to absorb more debt to obtain a degree when you can get a comparable degree elsewhere along with funding. I think your options and opportunities could potentially be greater at Georgetown, but not substantially enough to justify a significant amount of debt. Do what you think will be best for you, I don't think you can go wrong either way as they are both highly respected programs.

[potatopower12]

Has anyone made their decision to attend or not?

[NotLostWanderer]

There is a consortium between Georgetown, George Washington, American, and 11 other area schools that allows one who attends any of these institutions to take courses at one of the others. I plan on taking advantage of this to take a course or two at Georgetown, but unfortunately I cannot justify the financial burden of attending Georgetown. 

 

link: http://www.consortium.org