Univ. of Colorado, Denver vs. GW

[Humanloosha]

Hey guys, 

I got accepted to the master's programs at the University of Colorado, Denver and George Washington University. I don't really know how to decide between the two... Ideally I would love to be in Denver, but I'm assuming that GW's program is more prestigious. Any advice would be appreciated. 

[rising_star]

Did any of the programs offer you funding? What is your specific field/area of study? Which department has the strongest faculty in your area? Where are the research opportunities the best?

[Humanloosha]

@rising_star ... No funding (master's program... but applying for TA position at CU Denver) I'm studying medical anthropology. Both programs have strong faculty. The rep of GW is better I would think. Research opportunities would be great both places. I just don't even really know how to go about making this decision... I don't have time to visit the program at CU Denver.. but I could visit GW. 

[rising_star]

What are your post-degree plans? Do you want to go on to a PhD program? Why are you considering MA programs, rather than other options?

[Humanloosha]

Yes, I want to go to a PhD program. I majored in religious studies in undergrad and do not have any prereqs needed to get into a phd program in anthropology. I think that a 1.5 - 2 year master's program would be a good investment to build contacts, take necessary classes, and have research opportunities. 

 

 

[rising_star]

That's going to be a very expensive investment. You may want to take courses part-time while working to gain some of the prereqs so that you can get into a master's program with funding. Starting a PhD program with $50K+ in debt is going to make life post-PhD much more difficult for you.

[Humanloosha]

I have been working and have the money. I don't want to still be in school at age 35. Getting a master's is what I want to do. I just have to figure out which program to choose. 

 

[Psych_Law]

Lots of people here are debt aversive, but if you have the funds or are willing to take on that amount of debt then I say go for it. I was just visiting GW for a different program, but the university and area is great. Pretty expensive to live in, but I think the area opens up a lot of doors networking wise because of where you're at. Do you feel like both areas would lend you career opportunities after you graduate? 

Edited March 11, 2016 by Becks_Psych