Hi all,
I have been accepted into Georgetown's University SFS' MA in Security Studies and the LSE's MSc International Relations. But, I'm having a lot of difficulty choosing between the two.
Both are excellent schools and programs, but having to choose between a university with a program that I feel is more well for suited for a career in security over a university that has a well-known brand within the UK is no easy task. I want to live in the UK in the longterm.
LSE has far more credibility academically and I would be able to continue building a network within the UK and internationally. Georgetown is more US focused network-wise and is less known outside the States.
However, I believe that Georgetown's academics offers courses that would allow me to build a solid set of skills and LSE does not provide such a broad education in a specialized area.
There is also the issue of my age. Last month, I turned 30 and would like to get into the workforce asap. LSE's course is only 12 months, while Georgetown's would be 16-18 months.
Finally, Georgetown, as you can imagine, is significantly more expensive than LSE and I doubt that I will stay in the US, after Georgetown, as I lack American citizenship.
What do you think? Do you think I should follow the advice of my friends and former colleagues to study at LSE? Or should I take a gamble and head to Washington?