We welcome your comments and feedback to articles in the Idealist.org Public Service Graduate Education Resource Center (http://www.idealist.org/gradschools) discussing this topic! Please also feel free to share your related experiences here~

I'm trying to decide whether to do my masters in International Relations or Public Administration. I'm interested in doing humanitarian work, so working for the UN, USAID, etc. is definitely appealing, but so is working for a non-profit. I'm not sure which masters program would have more opportunities in terms of career paths. If anyone has any advice, I'd welcome it!

Hi Lynn,
Have you had a chance to check out our new public service graduate education resource center ? There are a lot of articles there that can help you to think through many issues around pursuing a graduate education. Definitely check out the section on informational interviews , which are a great way to figure out what career opportunities a degree can offer. If you're looking for more general info about public administration degrees, check out the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration(NASPAA) at www.naspaa.org.

And of course, if you haven't been to one of our Idealist.org Graduate Degree Fairs for the Public Good , then I encourage you to attend the one nearest you this fall! If you're still in LA , we'll be there on October 1st. It's a great (and free!) opportunity to meet and chat with representatives from graduate programs in which you are interested.

Best,
Jung
Graduate Education Communications Coordinator
AWB/Idealist.org

Lynn-
I wanted to offer some insight into your observation that humanitarian work has definite overlap in its educational preparation. My suggestion is to take strong look at programs that offer both degrees or have areas of related concentration so that you can take a mixture of classes. Once you've narrowed your options, talk to the faculty and career staff from those institutions for guidance on what is best . For my part, we say that BOTH degrees work equally well as long as course preparation was mapped out. The degree title isn't as important as the course skills, internship, language preparation, etc that you are gaining. You never know what path your career will take once you get into the field. Stay versatile and realize both work.

In my case, the program where I work offers a great opportunity because we have courses in nonprofit management in our Public Service/Administration degree, yet also have courses in int'l develpment, int'l economics, regional studies, int'l politics, American diplomacy and others in our Int'l Affairs degree. We also offer in-state tuition via our scholarships, a laptop scholarship, international study, multiple speaker series, a leadership program, and many professional growth opportunities. You have to ensure you keep an open mind and look into programs across the country. Each offers its own benefits, so go check them out. Good luck to you.

Kathryn Meyer
Recruitment Director
Bush School of Government & Public Service
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
http://bush.tamu.edu
kmeyer@bushschool.tamu.edu

Thanks, Jung and Kathryn, for your advice. I'm finding that there are so many great programs available for both PA and IR, and will continue to do my research.

I'm interested in a career in international development, dealing particularly with poverty eradication policy. There are many programs in the U.K. that offer focused, interdisciplinary masters and doctoral degrees in Development Studies, but I have not come across many in the U.S. There are a few that are based in economics, and often international development is a concentration option in an MPA program, but rarely does it seem to be taught as its own subject. Does anyone have any advice for the route to studying Development Studies in the U.S.? Thanks!

Peace Corps Masters International and Fellows USA are options to consider. Get grad school credit and financial consideration for Peace Corps service.

Listen to the newest Idealist.org Public Service Careers Podcast "Peace Corps & Grad School: Eileen Conoboy" to hear about how Peace Corps service can also lead to support your graduate education aspirations. Go to www.idealist.org/podcast or search for us on iTunes.

Please help! I am a development professional who is currently living/working in China. I seek either an MPA or MBA in Nonprofit Management - online. I want to earn the degree while I am here. So far, I have found a couple of small schools which offer online degrees, but the course offerings are not fantastic. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!!

Hi Shakira,
We are not aware of online MPA programs. For US-based schools, you can search and inquire at NASPAA, naspaa.org, the accrediting organization for MPA programs.

Also, our colleague Wei who is from China has these suggestions:

Indeed the schools offer online MPA degrees are very limited, and personally I don't know any of them. However, I can suggest some good websites for Shakira to search for that.

1. www.gter.net
2. www.taisha.org
3. www.autoadmit.com
4. www.gradschools.com

All these three are very popular online discussion board for grad schools, and there are many education professionals, current and prospective grad students, and experts who thrive in these websites.

The first two are the most popular Chinese websites for school seekers, and you can find different sections and categories in the forum, including degrees for public services. You can always post your questions there, and I believe you will receive useful suggestions and information. Also, the websites target grad schools all over the world.

The third is an American interactive forum with hundreds of threads posted by students and users to discuss and exchange views in all school-related and career development issues. You can also communicate with users there and they may have your answers. The fourth one is a comprehensive guiding website to grad schools and programs. It should include most of the programs in different categories, so make sure you also search your ideal online programs there.

Hi Shakira,
Just thought I'd share that North Park University (based in Chicago, IL) offers a Master's of Nonprofit Administration online. I'm starting the program this fall! Their website is www.northpark.edu.
I hope you find a program you like!
-Karen