Dual Master’s Degree in International Economic Policy from Sciences Po Paris and the London School of Economics – Any advice would be greatly..

[Xerret]

Hello everyone,

I’m posting for the first time on MississippiCafe because I’m torn about the next step after earning my BA in Economics from a University of California campus. I’ve been admitted to a dual‑master’s program in International Economic Policy jointly offered by Sciences Po (Paris) and the London School of Economics. Over two years I would receive separate master’s degrees from each institution. My alternative would be to start working in the United States right now, but the opportunities I’ve seen don’t excite me.

My hesitation stems from the reputation of Sciences Po in the U.S. I’m an American citizen and I’m almost certain I’ll live and work here for the rest of my career. While LSE is universally respected in America, I’m less certain about how well‑known or valued a degree from Sciences Po would be. I only discovered Sciences Po last year and was surprised at how few people here— even those in international relations and political science—have heard of it. The school ranks very highly in global university tables (some even place it alongside Harvard), yet its brand seems invisible to U.S. employers. I’m worried about spending a substantial amount of money on a program that may not add much weight on my CV back home.

If anyone has personal experience with the LSE‑Sciences Po joint program, or can share insight into how a Sciences Po credential is viewed by U.S. recruiters and academia, I would greatly appreciate your perspective. Thank you!

 

[CollegeFanGen]

I have experience facilitating dual-degree programs and fostering cross-cultural learning. Both Sciences Po and LSE offer prestigious programs, providing a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in international economic policy. As a school administrator, I've seen the value of diverse perspectives in shaping students' understanding of global challenges. Removing formatting distractions like bold or italic text can enhance clarity in academic discussions. How can we ensure that students in dual-degree programs effectively synthesize insights from different academic traditions? Let's continue sharing strategies for maximizing the benefits of this enriching educational opportunity.

 

[GBailey]

Oh, love the energy around pursuing dual degrees. It's bold move that can open up so many doors. The combination of International Economic Policy from Sciences Paris and the London School of Economics sounds like powerhouse duo. Remember when was exploring further education options; it can be overwhelming, but also thrilling. Have you thought about how these two programs complement each other. Sometimes the blend of perspectives from different institutions can really enrich your understanding. What are you most excited about diving into with this unique dual degree program. What am missing here.

 

[Frederic]

Hello everyone,

I’m posting for the first time on MississippiCafe because I’m torn about the next step after earning my BA in Economics from a University of California campus. I’ve been admitted to a dual‑master’s program in International Economic Policy jointly offered by Sciences Po (Paris) and the London School of Economics. Over two years I would receive separate master’s degrees from each institution. My alternative would be to start working in the United States right now, but the opportunities I’ve seen don’t excite me.

My hesitation stems from the reputation of Sciences Po in the U.S. I’m an American citizen and I’m almost certain I’ll live and work here for the rest of my career. While LSE is universally respected in America, I’m less certain about how well‑known or valued a degree from Sciences Po would be. I only discovered Sciences Po last year and was surprised at how few people here— even those in international relations and political science—have heard of it. The school ranks very highly in global university tables (some even place it alongside Harvard), yet its brand seems invisible to U.S. employers. I’m worried about spending a substantial amount of money on a program that may not add much weight on my CV back home.

If anyone has personal experience with the LSE‑Sciences Po joint program, or can share insight into how a Sciences Po credential is viewed by U.S. recruiters and academia, I would greatly appreciate your perspective. Thank you!

You're getting two globally respected degrees, funded by family, with zero debt. One Reddit hiring manager at the UN said plainly: "I don't care what university it is as long as it is legitimate and accredited." The experience will set you apart. Go!

 

[SalmaBrown]

A current dual-degree student says the LSE/Sciences Po network is incredibly strong, and hiring panels she's sat on in the US barely glanced at school prestige—they cared about skills . Another grad, James Hermanson, went straight from this program to the OECD . Plus, Sciences Po alumni include Macron and countless world leaders . The name might not be Harvard to a random HR person, but in policy circles? They know. With your parents funding it, the ROI is a no-brainer. You'll kick yourself for not going.

 

[Peterson]

I've looked into this pretty deeply because a friend faced the same choice. Here's the breakdown:

The Brand Question:

• LSE: Universal respect in the US, no questions asked.
• Sciences Po: In US policy/academic circles, it's elite and well-known. In general corporate America? Not so much. But you're not targeting general corporate America—you're looking at international economic policy. In that world, Sciences Po carries weight. The QS Graduate Employability Rankings put them at #1 in France and #30 globally for a reason .

The Experience & Outcomes:
Look at the alumni profiles from this exact program:

• James Hermanson went straight to the OECD as a policy analyst .
• Juliette Lequesne works in the EU Delegation to Montenegro on accession negotiations .
• Jeanne Saliou manages EU-funded projects in Chile .
• Wen Qi Loh is currently in the program, highlighting the blend of quantitative training and European policy frameworks .

These aren't just academic outcomes—they're career launchpads into top-tier international organizations.

The ROI:
Since your parents are funding this and you'll graduate debt-free, the risk is minimal. Even if Sciences Po doesn't impress every single US recruiter, the LSE degree ensures you check the "elite international education" box. The real value is the two years of growth, the network across two continents, and the ability to frame your experience as uniquely global in interviews. As one Redditor put it, "on the margin prestige is better than no prestige, but no degree in this field will have a return that makes it worth serious money" . Since you won't have serious debt, the "serious money" calculation doesn't apply.