goldentoast Posted March 17, 2017 Posted March 17, 2017 Hi! So, I've been accepted to two great schools for a masters degree that I am very interested in, and now I have a dilemma with what school to decide on. One program is in Atlanta. The curriculum isn't taught exactly the way I would like, although the research opportunities are amazing. They've mentioned some really big and interesting projects and opened the possibility of me being able to work with them on it for a few years. My degree is only 1 year, so to have a possible opportunity after graduation sounds amazing. And it'll definitely boost my CV and research experience to maybe help me move into a good PhD program, if I chose to do that. The other program is in NYC, my favorite city, and I think the overall "vibe" of everything is more suited to me. The program seems more flexible to my interests and I like their curriculum a little bit more. The courses are taught by top faculty in their fields, and the program is well connected with many other universities, organizations, and faculty for further job/academic opportunities. There are also many more research opportunities available, but those may not be as big (sorry, I really can't think of another word right now) and are all up in the air until I find someone to work with. Even then, nothing about the size, duration, or type of project is guaranteed. I might also be swimming for jobs or further graduate school opportunities afterwards, although the school name might help me out a little. Both schools are well-known, and I think I could be happy and do well at either school. I really like both, but I'm not quite sure what I want to do after the masters, so I want to choose a program that'll keep the most doors open for me. Does anyone have any advice on how important curriculum, personalization, or research are for choosing between masters programs? Or general values to factor in? I know it's only a masters degree and it's supposed to be a personal question, but that hasn't helped me out so far, so I'm looking to the internet now.
DiscoTech Posted March 17, 2017 Posted March 17, 2017 2 hours ago, goldentoast said: Hi! So, I've been accepted to two great schools for a masters degree that I am very interested in, and now I have a dilemma with what school to decide on. One program is in Atlanta. The curriculum isn't taught exactly the way I would like, although the research opportunities are amazing. They've mentioned some really big and interesting projects and opened the possibility of me being able to work with them on it for a few years. My degree is only 1 year, so to have a possible opportunity after graduation sounds amazing. And it'll definitely boost my CV and research experience to maybe help me move into a good PhD program, if I chose to do that. The other program is in NYC, my favorite city, and I think the overall "vibe" of everything is more suited to me. The program seems more flexible to my interests and I like their curriculum a little bit more. The courses are taught by top faculty in their fields, and the program is well connected with many other universities, organizations, and faculty for further job/academic opportunities. There are also many more research opportunities available, but those may not be as big (sorry, I really can't think of another word right now) and are all up in the air until I find someone to work with. Even then, nothing about the size, duration, or type of project is guaranteed. I might also be swimming for jobs or further graduate school opportunities afterwards, although the school name might help me out a little. Both schools are well-known, and I think I could be happy and do well at either school. I really like both, but I'm not quite sure what I want to do after the masters, so I want to choose a program that'll keep the most doors open for me. Does anyone have any advice on how important curriculum, personalization, or research are for choosing between masters programs? Or general values to factor in? I know it's only a masters degree and it's supposed to be a personal question, but that hasn't helped me out so far, so I'm looking to the internet now. If the NYC program is NYU, go to Atlanta.
fuzzylogician Posted March 17, 2017 Posted March 17, 2017 I can't help with the specifics, but I don't think the particular curriculum is all that important. No one is going to ask or care what you learned in a given course. The connections you make with faculty and your research will matter much more.
goldentoast Posted March 18, 2017 Author Posted March 18, 2017 13 hours ago, DiscoTech said: If the NYC program is NYU, go to Atlanta. Haha yes, the program is at NYU. Why do you say that? Personal experience?
rising_star Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 I would go to Atlanta. Amazing research opportunities are more important than coursework imo.
Entangled Phantoms Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, goldentoast said: What field? Edited March 18, 2017 by Entangled Phantoms
goldentoast Posted March 18, 2017 Author Posted March 18, 2017 2 hours ago, Entangled Phantoms said: What field? Bioethics
juilletmercredi Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 +1 for Atlanta as well. I agree that amazing research opportunities are more important, especially if you are considering a PhD later. But even if you aren't, great research opportunities can lead to good career connections or at least something interesting to put on a resume and discuss in a cover letter.
DiscoTech Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 (edited) (Atlantic Story) (NYU Debt Stories) (NYU Marketing) (Work Study?) I have no personal experience with NYU (Thank God!). However, with the exception of some professional programs (law, business, medicine, Tisch), NYU is a diploma mill that seems to primarily view students as revenue generating units. Even if you're fully funded, there are downsides to a program like this. If the marketing/revenue generation attitude affects your department, very little attention is probably paid to student/faculty ratio, career placement, usefulness of the program, etc .... After all, the point is to enroll as many people as possible without jeopardizing opportunities for revenue generation in the future. I think NYU is second only to the University of Phoenix in terms of outstanding student loan debt. Just make sure your program isn't one of their many cons. Edited March 18, 2017 by DiscoTech spelling
shikkui Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 I'd say go with NYU. I think the vibe of the city is important to think about. Also, as you mentioned, the connections that you will be getting are world class. You'd be getting research opportunities either way - the post masters research opportunity doesn't seem guaranteed.
PopLock&TalkIt Posted March 18, 2017 Posted March 18, 2017 What is the Atlanta school? I'm a native and can give you some insight!
goldentoast Posted March 20, 2017 Author Posted March 20, 2017 On 3/18/2017 at 9:58 AM, PopLock&TalkIt said: What is the Atlanta school? I'm a native and can give you some insight! Emory!
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