<p>I am really stressing over whether I should get a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. I would like to work in the private sector, and eventually establish my own firm that specializes in economic and community development. I feel that the B.S. Degree, which requires several interesting pre-law courses, 18 hours of Economics courses and six hours of advanced statistics, gives me excellent preparation for Graduate School. However, I also want to take a foreign language (portuguese) and several philosophy courses. I would also like to have the option of taking more free electives, something that the B.S. degree doesn't allow me to do. What should I do?</p>
<p>You bring up an interesting point. I did not know that a PoliSci major had the option of choosing a BS or BA. Is this unique to your school - where do you go? - or is it a common choice for all majors? Any information would be of great help.</p>
<p>It makes no difference. In 99% of the hiring/grad school decisions just about every other factor you could think of outweighs this variable. </p>
<p>Just based on your post, I'd take the B.A. program but try to include as many of the B.S. requirements as you can.</p>
<p>i'm thinking about switching to poli sci, but i don't think i have an option of BS or BA</p>
<p>Wow, how exactly is a BS in Political Science even possible? That's like a BS in Music or Art.</p>
<p>I attend the University of Louisville, which is a very inexpensive college in my hometown. It has a respectable number of Political Science graduates attending Harvard Law School, and many of it's political science graduates have gone on to win local, state, and national political offices... so I guess it's a respectable program. My school offers two B.S. degrees in Political Science. One B.S. has a concentration in Law and Public Policy. This degree requires alot of Economics, Statistics, Business and "Pre-Law" courses. The other B.S. Degree has a concentration of Paralegal Studies, which is the one I'm pursuing right now. Although, I am really questioning this. </p>
<p>I decided to go with the B.S. Degree and take portuguese courses as free electives. By the way... Does anyone know if being a Paralegal is a respectable job? I know this sounds like a silly question but... I don't know what other career path that would allow me to work hands on in the legal field, without actually having to go to Law School. I want to make a good salary and I have come under tremendous pressure by family members and former teachers to pursue a career in Law. But I don't want to go to law school! I don't think I can take another 3 years of school after college. I figured since I am incredibly good at reading legal documents and I love writing and courtroom drama, that this is the right career for me. I eventually want to work as a freelance/contract paralegal and become self-employed. I also thought that if I eventually decide to go to law school, I could always work as a paralegal to offset some of the tutition costs... Does anyone have any advice or comments? </p>
<p>sorry for the long post.</p>
<p>Don't do Poli Sci!!!</p>
<p>Do Econ instead. You'll thank me later.</p>
<p>Is there any particular reason why you think "Economics" would be a better choice than Political Science? Right now, I have a minor in Economics.</p>
<p>Yes. Economics is more challenging and is at the root of political science. It will serve you better than poli sci. Just my two cents, though, I'm a purist. Poli Sci is OK and a lot of people do it, I just think econ is the better route.</p>
<p>ReidM has it right: it makes no difference. And, yes, you can get a BS in Political Science at some schools. It also makes very little difference between Econ & Political Science outside a very narrow range of jobs where Econ might be preferred. (And I can think of others where Poli Sci would be preferred.)</p>
<p>I have to agree with the above two posts. It makes no difference. It might be good however to have a good grasp of stats if you decide to go onto to grad school. Huge plus if you are comfortable with STATA or SPSS. As for law school, it doesnt matter at all.</p>
<p>Both choices in this circumstance are valid, B.A. or B.S. , but dont stress too much. The thing you have to worry about is your GPA not much more than that. The comment on Economics is very true but at the same time you could just hybrid your study to make you more effective. For example, I am currently a Political Science major but I have a double minor as well in Economics and Investment Finance. I am looking to go into international Banking, Taxation, Investment, and Corporate Law. For your career goal you will want a solid Economics background so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try and get more time studying that.</p>
<p>Best Wishes</p>
<p>The OP has probably already graduated…</p>
<p>God I wish I could like posts…</p>
<p>^ i second that</p>
<p>hahahhahaha</p>