<p>Can you please talk about you experience in Berkeley's Political Science major? How competitive is the major? What do you think of the professors? How was the overall experience? Thanks.</p>
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<p>I’m a declared PoliSci first-year at Cal. I have only taken three courses so far with the PoliSci department and I have had great experiences with my classes. The major isn’t too competitive. (It’s definitely not like the sciences, engineering, or economics.) There is a lot of reading but that’s generally to be expected with the humanities. Otherwise, the workload is pretty doable and manageable. </p>
<p>I have talked to some of my friends who are PoliSci at UCLA and apparently they don’t have the specializations of Political Theory and Public Policy/Jurisprudence. I actually plan on specializing within Public Policy and Jurisprudence just because it seems the most interesting to me personally. There are a lot of great classes to take though. Unfortunately, you have to take PS3, which is essentially Stats for PoliSci; everyone dislikes this course and hardly anyone specializes within this field (even the advisers don’t expect it either or at least they didn’t at my declaration session). </p>
<p>Also, it’s very easy to finish the college requirements and PoliSci within three years. Many go on to write a thesis for departmental honors. I don’t plan on doing this, as I am going to double major in Legal Studies; doubling is also a popular option too.</p>
<p>Thanks! Anyone else have some input? BTW, i am going to specialize in International Relations…</p>
<p>I was accepted as a Poli Sci applicant. Is it an issue to switch majors?</p>
<p>Berkeley admits all L&S students as undeclared, you must petition any major by the end of you sophomore year.</p>
<p>quixoticRick! you’re real smart lol. is legal studies somewhat like pre-law?
is workload manageable if i’m doubling econ and poli sci?</p>
<p>I’m specializing in Public Policy and Jurisprudence for PoliSci because it is what I’m interested in it. I really like studying about the philosophy of the law and kind of the theory behind it. Legal Studies is in that same vein. I was really attracted to it because of the classes initially and then I found out that the professors are actually from Boalt (Berkeley Law now). I’m Pre-Law and so I was attracted to that by being able to meet and study with some great law professors as an undergrad. Legal Studies is NOT Pre-Law though. </p>
<p>The workload for PoliSci and Econ should not be that tough if you manage your time well and pick your classes well so that you don’t take any “extra” or “useless” classes that don’t go towards any requirements or major-work. Economics is generally more difficult than PoliSci but by how much, I can’t really say. </p>
<p>I’m not that smart, believe me. I’m just organized and know what I want to do, seriously.</p>