GW MIPP vs MA

[kaseyleigh]

Hi everyone! This question is for those who may specifically have some knowledge of the various programs at the GW Elliott School. I applied last year and got in to the MA Intl Affairs program, but decided to wait a year and get more work experience. I am preparing my application for Fall 2016 now, and I am trying to decide which program to which it would be the most appropriate to apply.

After applying last year, I discovered the MIPP program for those with sig work experience and/or an advanced degree. I do have a JD and it is a one-year program, so I really like that, but I am a pretty recent grad and don't have a ton of work experience. I want to do something in Russia and/or security/political risk arenas, so I am also looking at the MA in Security Policy or MA in Europe and Eurasian Studies. Clearly, it is really nice to only pay for one year of grad school (esp with loans already from law school, though luckily not TOO much), but the MIPP program seems to be kind of an overview of intl policy, whereas the other programs are more specialized. Right now, my work is not relevant to intl affairs and I would be using the master's to springboard me into the field. Any advice on which route seems most logical would be appreciated. 

(I am also more worried about being accepted/getting scholarships in the MIPP than the general MA programs, since most of those in the MIPP program have sig work)