questions/thoughts on Seton Hall University (reputation, school, program, private)

[mikeyb711]

Does anyone have information or experience with Seton Hall, specifically the Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations? I am considering an MA in International Relations there. There are obvious professional advantages of being close to NYC, and the website looks great, but I'm looking for an "insider" scoop. Due to my current living arrangements I will not be able to visit the campus until after I apply, so maybe you guys can help me out with the questions I have.

First, any thoughts on the reputation of this program?

Second, how politically active is the student body? I want to live on campus, not for the bar/party scene, but to get involved with on campus organizations and initiatives for human rights and environmental sustainability in addition to my studies. The website lists several student groups that caters to these interests, but how broad is their scope on the student body as a whole?

Answers to these questions or any other thoughts on Seton Hall from students, staff, alumni, or anyone with a familiarity of the school would be greatly appreciated.

[robertpolyglot]

I think Fordham (The Bronx) and Villanova (Philadelphia) are better private Catholic universities. Do they have such a program?

Do you need to stay in the area? Georgetown (DC) has an even better reputation than either of those as a university, and I believe it is strong in International Relations (but check). I would imagine the brand and alumni legacy of Georgetown is a good thing to have. But you have to ask yourself if you want to live in DC or remain in NY metro.

[itshim]

Originally Posted by mikeyb711

Does anyone have information or experience with Seton Hall, specifically the Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations? I am considering an MA in International Relations there. There are obvious professional advantages of being close to NYC, and the website looks great, but I'm looking for an "insider" scoop. Due to my current living arrangements I will not be able to visit the campus until after I apply, so maybe you guys can help me out with the questions I have.

First, any thoughts on the reputation of this program?

Second, how politically active is the student body? I want to live on campus, not for the bar/party scene, but to get involved with on campus organizations and initiatives for human rights and environmental sustainability in addition to my studies. The website lists several student groups that caters to these interests, but how broad is their scope on the student body as a whole?

Answers to these questions or any other thoughts on Seton Hall from students, staff, alumni, or anyone with a familiarity of the school would be greatly appreciated.

It is an APSIA member school, so if you're interested in IR, you're in the right direction. I can tell you from my working with past collegues that it is a well respected and well received program, but just keep in mind that the IR field itself is very difficult to break into on the professional level. And although access to NYC is great, keep in mind that most government institutions for IR/IA are usually in DC. The only significant one that I can think of located in NY off the top of my head is the UN HQ and NYC UNA.

Edit: I actually looked at the APSIA member's list and it isn't on there. It's actually an affiliate rather than a full fledged member. Either way the program is reputable for IR/IA.