scottz

Hello! I'm a recent undergraduate of a Combined Honours in Contemporary Studies and Philosophy, and have since begun taking time off. My discipline was chosen partly out of lack of understanding of what I wanted to do with my future, but over the last few years I've been cultivating an interest in Economics and Development Studies, which was accelerated since finishing my Undergrad and volunteering with NGOs in Canada and overseas. While for now I am continuing to garner work experience in various different programs and institutions, I am interested in remaining in the NGO/NPO sector working in development for the long-term. This has led me to look into graduate programs in development studies and economics. I was wondering what sorts of programs might best suit my interests. I'd prefer MA programs that typically lead their graduates into work experience in NGOs and public policy, and not directly into PhD programs - I would most likely not pursue a Phd unless it was necessary or relevant to the advancement of my career. I'm especially interested in economics, both in general as well as in relation to development, but am painfully underqualified for most MA economics program (took first year econ in my undergrad, no math, that's it). I'd prefer funding, which means I'd most likely need to stay in Canada (oh, I'm from Canada), though I'm not opposed to going international if the school is good quality (though I'm assuming yale wont go insane and fun an international philosophy undergrad for an MA in economics anytime soon). My GPA is high but not insane (3.79), and I could probably get a couple good LORs, though they are from former contemporary studies professors (including my former thesis advisor). I guess I have a few questions. First, for a career in development, is a masters advisable? If I want my work to focus on economic development, is a master in economic development advisable? I love the idea of studying economics and development, but would rather not do a masters solely for the sake of getting to learn cool stuff for a couple years (though it is tempting). If a masters is advisable, what next? Which schools offer the best combination of development and economics? I'd prefer to stay on the theoretical side, but again, if there is a qualifying year option to get into the math side of things, I have no problem with that. So where should I look into? Mcgill has a promising development studies option that can be laid over a number of different disciplines, including economics. Anywhere else? Sorry if making my first post a new thread is not polite or anything, but I searched and couldn't find a ton of information, I guess because my situation is different. Any and all help is appreciated! Cheers, Scott