<p>I'm a 27 yo community college transfer student now entering 4 year university. My ideal job would be working in some form of government ideally like a foreign service officer, civil officer, or perhaps UN. I was reading their qualifications and most did not specify a specific degree. I'm going into school thinking of majoring in Political Science maybe minoring in international studies or econ. I guess my questions are what majors would set me apart from others if i were to apply into the government? Also I've heard some people rag on political science. I've even heard some go as far as to say its a "useless" degree is this true? Im completely overwhelmed by math so degrees containing math are out of the picture for me. Is political science a sufficient degree or is it best to pair with something else? so confused, Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m one of those who find PS an uninteresting and fairly useless course of study. I think your time would better be used in economics, but you don’t have the intensive math skills you’d need, or in international/global studies if you also acquire some language skills. I’m also not a big fan of business schools, but some people who work in international affairs find finance a helpful major. What matters most if you want to work in government, esp. overseas, is that you work very hard to acquire mad skills and a high GPA. You’ll want an appropriate internship or two as well. The State Dept and DoD can be helpful to the best students with fellowships and study abroad, and if you’re a URM or veteran there’s even more support. At 27 you should be an adult among children. You already know what hard work is, partying is, sex is, and you won’t be as interested in the extracurricular aspects of college. Work you butt off. Work smart. You can do this. I did.</p>
<p>If you’re “overwhelmed” by math then think twice about Econ, even as a minor. Political Science won’t set you apart for a gov’t job at all, if that’s what you’re after.</p>
<p>Which university are you entering? Have you studied a Foreign Language?</p>
<p>I think the best way to “set yourself apart” would be to double major in Global Affairs and Political Science. You will have an advantage over all the graduates with either/or, and you will still be doing what interests you so you are most likely to do well. Since you are a transfer though, you may end up needing to stay an extra semester to get all the credits you need; an advisor could help you make the most efficient use of your time. Another option is to minor in a foreign language that is less common - ones other job applicants are less likely to be fluent in like Mandarin, Russian, or Arabic.</p>
<p>the cost of an extra semester just so you can double major in political science, @GlamorousGirl, not unless OP’s rolling in dough. Polisci wouldn’t set him so far apart when he’s interested in global affairs. </p>