<p>Bigeastbeast: I’m gonna have to disagree. UPitt has a nationally recognized program for international studies, and their international studies are used as a resource for the State Department. Though their diplomatic training may not be as good as DC/VA/MD, they definitely have an outstanding international studies program. </p>
<p>As for Maryland, I’m from there. The two best colleges located here are College Park and John Hopkins. John Hopkins definitly has a good international program, but it isnt overwhelmingly better than UPitt, while College Park has nothing. DC schools are good for what I’m assuming is do to their closeness to the US seat of power. Idk about VA. </p>
<p>Other than those disagreement, your reply was very helpful. Yet, the reason I’m applying for Internaitonal Studies is not because of job prospects, but because of my interest. The only thing I can confidently say I love is cultural studies and their interactions. Area studies would limit me to focus on one area, but IR allows me to deal with the entire world.</p>