<p>Does anybody have any information regarding this program (i.e. how rigorous is it, is it easy to transfer classes to a PhD program, etc.)? I was recently accepted and afforded a half-tuition scholarship, however, I had originally applied to the PHD program and had no clue this department even existed.</p>
<p>This also happened to me…except no funding at all. They’ve got a pretty good website and you need to look at that. I do know something about the program. It is one year. Many students use it as a springboard to a PhD program. However, don’t count on it as a springboard to Chicago itself. This sometimes happens but there are no guarantees. Many have commented that because the program is only one year, it is exceedingly hard to be applying for doctoral progams almost as soon as you hit the Chicago campus. You do not know the faculty yet and it is difficult to build relationships that fast so you can use them if your application is due in December. Many faculty and students advise that you complete the one year program and then apply for the doctorate in the following year. I do think the “Chicago” name could look good on a grad school application, especially if your thesis helps to define your research intersts.</p>
<p>There is an option at Chicago CIR where you can apply for a second year, and they will fund you. Only a few students do that. Again, look at the website.</p>
<p>Don’t know about the program’s rigor but anything at Chicago should be well regarded.</p>
<p>I am in comparative with a focus on the Middle East. I will not be accepting the offer for CIR since I was admitted to several doctoral programs in poli sci with funding. However, if I had not gotten into a good PhD program, I would be looking hard at CIR, especially if I had gotten some money.</p>
<p>You do have to weigh the cost, however. Half tuition still leaves a lot of unpaid bills.</p>
<p>Have you applied to any other PhD program? Have you heard back from them all?</p>
<p>I only applied to three other programs and I was denied by all three. I probably should have put more effort into my applications, rather than completing them at the last minute. If I were to accept this offer I think I would pursue graduate studies in some other field (such as law) because as you said, even with half-tuition, the tuition bill is still quite hefty and it consequently wouldn’t make much sense to then enroll in a five year PhD program, after which job prospects are limited anyway.</p>
<p>Did you originally apply to the PhD program?</p>