After working for a few years, I've been accepted to both of the aforementioned programs for Fall '17. I'm leaning toward UT for financial reasons, but I've got a few days to decide and I wanted to see if anyone had insight into either of these programs at these schools.
UT pros:
-In-state tuition
-*Possible* part-time position with current employer
-I can continue to network with local design professionals and build on the relationships I've already made in the state (don't need to start over, per se)
UT cons:
-Feels more like a lateral move than an upward move from my undergraduate university
-Small class size
-Longer program (1.5 years vs. 1 calendar year)
-The faculty seemed to have something of a blasé, almost unengaged attitude, and both visits I took there left me feeling slightly underwhelmed
-Program is still in its infancy, and isn't well known even among urban design professionals
WashU pros:
-I got the exact opposite impression from the faculty and students than I did from those at UT. Everyone was very engaged, welcoming, and helpful.
-Large class size
-Recognition and prestige (second-oldest MUD program in the US)
-Well-organized curriculum. I know it's important for most people that graduate school offers a good amount of freedom, but I think it's important that a one-year program keeps students on track and disciplined.
WashU cons:
-$$$ (even with merit scholarship)
-Moving to Misery
-The desire to obtain a master's degree in urban design after achieving an accredited Arch/LA degree is already prone to skepticism, and one can make the argument that prestige and value of education just aren't worth it for such an obscure industry
After working for a few years, I've been accepted to both of the aforementioned programs for Fall '17. I'm leaning toward UT for financial reasons, but I've got a few days to decide and I wanted to see if anyone had insight into either of these programs at these schools.
UT pros:
-In-state tuition
-*Possible* part-time position with current employer
-I can continue to network with local design professionals and build on the relationships I've already made in the state (don't need to start over, per se)
UT cons:
-Feels more like a lateral move than an upward move from my undergraduate university
-Small class size
-Longer program (1.5 years vs. 1 calendar year)
-The faculty seemed to have something of a blasé, almost unengaged attitude, and both visits I took there left me feeling slightly underwhelmed
-Program is still in its infancy, and isn't well known even among urban design professionals
WashU pros:
-I got the exact opposite impression from the faculty and students than I did from those at UT. Everyone was very engaged, welcoming, and helpful.
-Large class size
-Recognition and prestige (second-oldest MUD program in the US)
-Well-organized curriculum. I know it's important for most people that graduate school offers a good amount of freedom, but I think it's important that a one-year program keeps students on track and disciplined.
WashU cons:
-$$$ (even with merit scholarship)
-Moving to Misery
-The desire to obtain a master's degree in urban design after achieving an accredited Arch/LA degree is already prone to skepticism, and one can make the argument that prestige and value of education just aren't worth it for such an obscure industry
Bump?