Hello! I’m seriously considering applying to Vassar this fall, and I intend to major in International Studies. However, I’m grossly uneducated on the quality of this major at Vassar. I’m aware that academics in general are considered to be wonderful there, but I’m unsure if it extends to that particular major, or if I’d have better luck elsewhere, if that makes sense.
There are a lot of colleges that appear in lists of “best international relations” or some other such thing, and Vassar isn’t typically on those lists. Frequent ones include Ivy League schools and typically large state universities. Vassar won’t steer you wrong in political science, international studies and the like, but you should include all considerations when thinking of Vassar. Can you get into an Ivy League school? Can you get into Vassar? Do you like larger universities where you might be taught by TAs, or do you prefer a smaller school? In terms of numbers, Vassar’s website says these are the most popular majors: “English, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, and Biology.” Also, considering an International Studies major, Vassar’s site says this: “Participating faculty includes professors from many departments, including Anthropology, Chemistry, Chinese and Japanese, Economics, French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Hispanic Studies, History, Political Science, and Sociology.” Sounds pretty good. Lots to think about. Good luck.
Friend is a recent graduate of international studies w/ an emphasis on political science, and she loved the program. She had lots of opportunities, like going to Cuba during spring break and other countries, which definitely complemented her study.