ars075000

What Masters and PHD programs do you suggest for development studies? Ive looked at development economics, but think the more general programs are more appropriate for me.I'm more interested in doing field work, particularly in the Middle East, rather than academia. Funding is a big issue for me. I do not wish to attend a school where full funding isn't provided. That pretty much rules out the UK schools. I'm in the 2nd year of my Masters in Economic Policy at Central European University in Budapest and thus, worry that a 2 masters in a closely related field may be a waste of time. However, I am not sure if Im ready to fully commit myself to a 4-6 year PHd program. Thanks for any advice/suggestions you may have!

I should probably add some more info. Sorry, I was in a hurry when I made that post.... I'm more interested in doing field work, particularly in the Middle East, rather than academia. Funding is a big issue for me. I do not wish to attend a school where full funding isn't provided. That pretty much rules out the UK schools. I'm in the 2nd year of my Masters in Economic Policy at Central European University in Budapest and thus, worry that a 2 masters in a closely related field may be a waste of time. However, I am not sure if Im ready to fully commit myself to a 4-6 year PHd program. Thanks for any advice/suggestions you may have.

What Masters and PHD programs do you suggest for development studies? Ive looked at development economics, but think the more general programs are more appropriate for me.

I'm looking at taking some extra math courses. I was going to take Linear Algebra, but I realized that the course description is much like the matrices and vectors course I took two years ago. Are they essentially the same? Should I take the Linear Algebra course or move on to Differential equations?

I most certainly agree with you Elliephant. I am only using this forum as one avenue. I'm already attempting to contact a couple of advisers and profs from my ugrad. I should be able to get a hold of them by tomorrow, which is when I have to decide. Their opinions and my own will most definitely have the most weight on my decision. However, it will be a few hours before I can speak with the due to the timdifference. I've read this forum for a couple of years and have come to respect some posts. Thus, I have come here to obtain advice, which will only be taken with a grain of salt.

I just started my studies at Central European university in the 2 year MA in Economic Policy in Global Markets. I've just started my math presession and got access to course outlines for my fall courses. It appears this program is not very rigorous in the mathematics or economic theory. The math presession is very easy and is designed for students of all kind of backgrounds, including political science. Undergraduate econ books are used in the core courses. My main goal is to get admitted into a top 30-50 econ phd program and I feel this program is not good preparation. Essentially, I have two options. I can continue studying in this program and be the rockstar of my class. I'm confident I could finish with a perfect GPA and have the opportunity to get great LORs from some professors in the program who graduated from top 5 schools. In addition to the econ policy program, I can take one or two online math courses. Math is definitely my biggest weakness as I've only taken Calculus I and II, Matrices, Statistics, Mathematical Economics, and Econometrics. Over the next year and a half I can add Cal III, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Real Analysis, and perhaps a couple more. After graduating with an MA in Econ Policy, I could apply for a more mathematical rigorous 1 year MS program at somewhere like BGSE, LSE, U of Toronto, or UBC. I think after that program I would be ready for a school like Georgetown, which would be a great fit. Or I could just apply for phd programs directly after my program at CEU. Second option is to switch to the MA in Economics here at CEU. The program is heavily quantitative and would be a great challenge. I would probably not stand out from the rest of my classmates. I think I would still make mostly A's, but not be the best. Thus, I don't think my LORs would be as good. While doing this program, I would not have time to take any additional math courses. I could try to take two or three next summer, but that would be it. I think after completing an MA in Economics it would be pointless to attend a more prestigious university just to get the same degree. Thus, I would probably apply directly for a phd program. Which option do you think is the best route to get into the best phd program possible? Should I take easier classes, get great LORs, and take additional math courses or just switch to an MA in Econ and be a normal student? Any suggestions would be helpful. I have to decide by tomorrow. Sorry for being so lengthy. If it means anything, I am an American.