<p>Unfortunately, I am having trouble deciding a major. (Big shock, right?) I initially wanted to major in International Relations for a Bachelor's Degree, but I found that it is best to not specialize into IR so early. Even with a saturated job market, I still plan on going to get a MA in IR, but I would like some advice as to what undergrad major I should take. I love history and have self-studied AP World History, AP Euro and AP Comp. Gov and received 5,5,4, respectively. I've seen people suggest getting a BA in Economics before getting an MA in IR, but I'm taking AP Economics right now and do not find it very interesting (dismal, really). However, I am quite proficient with computers, both hardware and software. I also love astronomy and its sub-topics like astrobiology. Because of this, I was thinking of going into Poli Sci, or Computer Sci or Astronomy. However, I'm not sure about the marketability of having a degree in Poli Sci, and I don't know if computer skills are valued in careers related in International Relations. Nor am I too sure about Astronomy, because I'm not sure how that can be applicable to careers related to International Relations. Also, the fact that one probably needs a Ph.D in astronomy to be taken seriously. I hate math. If any of you would care to help me, I would be utterly grateful. I need a direction in life. I'm not asking any of you to decide for me. I simply hope you can help me find and decide upon a major. Thanks.</p>
<p>What would be a choice career for you? You’re severely limiting yourself because you hate Math. High paying jobs love people who love Math.</p>
<p>I wish I was better at it.</p>
<p>I mean, I’m pretty good with math, it’s just that I don’t care for it.</p>
<p>Well, if you hate math, I don’t know that you could do an astronomy major anyway. It involves a lot of physics and math.</p>
<p>Computer science also involves a certain amount of math. Nonetheless, since you have some proficiency in computers, you might consider cybersecurity. There are places you can major in this. It is an area of current interest in international relations. For example, see: [Explorations</a> in Cyber International Relations - Harvard - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs](<a href=“http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/project/67/explorations_in_cyber_international_relations.html]Explorations”>http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/project/67/explorations_in_cyber_international_relations.html) or [Major</a> Cyber Security Readings](<a href=“http://www.cs.washington.edu/education/courses/csep590/05au/cyber.html]Major”>Major Cyber Security Readings)
If you don’t like math, you might be hampered in certain areas of cybersecurity such as cryptography, however.
If you majored in that area, and intend to go to graduate school in IR, make sure you take courses in languages, economics, political science, and history, too.</p>
<p>Whoa! That sounds really interesting! I never would have thought of that. This is the kind of advice I was looking for. I’ll certainly think upon this. Even if I do decide on this, I’ll have to look around for schools with that major; I fear Harvard is much too far a reach for me. Thanks, zapfino! And thanks for your other posts on IR; I’ve nearly read them all.</p>