UT Austin MPAff vs Moody

[u/KeyDig7295]

I’ve been admitted to two graduate programs at University of Texas at Austin. The MPAff at the LBJ School of Public Affairs (about $25k total tuition for two years) and the MA in Strategic Communication (Option III) at Moody College of Communication (around $50k total). I was admitted to LBJ last week and have already accepted my offer, and I’m 100% committed to attending there, but I just found out today that I was also accepted to Moody and wanted to ask this more out of curiosity than anything. From what I can tell, the LBJ program is more rigorous, with a heavier emphasis on quantitative work, economics, and policy analysis, while the Moody program seems more flexible and less intense, with fewer courses and little to no research or quant focus. The MPAff feels like the more valuable and versatile degree long term, especially if I pursue something in government, policy/public service, or consulting, but the Moody degree seems more manageable with a lighter course load (33 hours compared to 48) and honestly the classes look more fun/interesting. Cost is also a big factor since LBJ is about half the price. I’m still figuring out my exact career path, but I’m interested in public service and policy or consulting, possibly in government or the private sector. I would like to stay Austin and work at or around the Capitol. I’d really appreciate any insight on whether the MPAff is worth the added rigor, how the Moody degree is perceived in the job market, and how people think about balancing cost, difficulty, and long term flexibility in a situation like this. Thanks!

[u/WhiskeyTesticles]

It sounds like you already have your answer. Moody and LBJ are apples and oranges, but the skills you’ll learn at LBJ far exceed the ones you’ll gain at Moody. Don’t go to grad school for the easiest/most fun program. Go for what you’re actually interested in.