<p>So I'm a History major and I've been minoring in Political Science (I've only taken 2 classes though). However, I've been thinking a lot about the Public Affairs minor. Ultimately in the long run, I may want to pursue a Masters in Public Policy or Public Administration. </p>
<p>Does anyone know much about the minor? Are classes difficult? Is it hard to enroll into classes?</p>
<p>Wow…you sound just like me. I’m a History major, Political Science minor, and I’m also doing a Public Affairs minor. I finished everything but the public affairs minor. I can say that its fairly easy to double minor–every Public Policy class I’ve taken has either been crosslisted with poli sci(letting me fulfill both minor requirements), or has been a Political Science course that the I’ve susccesfuly petitioned to be Public Affairs. And they’re more flexible now, because of course cancellations, so they give you more leeway to apply outside courses.</p>
<p>The info sheet recommends you take some introductory econ courses, and while the minor counselor told me not everyone does this, nor is it really necessary, its probably recommended for an MPP.</p>
<p>As for difficulty, the only two I haven’t taken is PP10 and the capstone, which are typically the two most, so I can’t speak to those, but the rest of the courses are fine.</p>
<p>I’m in the Pub Aff minor. PP10A is pretty challenging, last year my prof. only gave 1% of the class an A (which was equivalent to 1 student), and about 6% A-s. However, typically the two profs. who teach that class are very, very good, so thought it is challenging you feel that you’ve learned something worthwhile. 10B is taught by Michael Dukakis, who was a former presidential candidate. So I think the instruction is very good, but if you’re looking for easy As, you won’t find them in this minor.</p>
<p>Wow! Only 7% of the class got As and A-s O.O;;</p>
<p>That’s nuts. I was considering the Public Affairs Minor because I was thinking about getting a Masters in Public Policy of Public Administration after undergrad and I figured the Public Affairs minor would be a great well to get involved early into what I want to do. However, I’ve had many people tell me it doesn’t matter what your major/minor was if I’m applying for an MPP/MPA and the only thing that ultimately matters is work experience, GPA, and GRE score. But I mean…if I could, for instance, manage a 3.7 with a History major and Poli Sci minor, over managing a 3.4-3.5 with a History Major and Public Affairs minor, I might as well stick with the Poli Sci minor.</p>
<p>People told me if I wanted to get an MPA or MPP, I should take some intro econ classes. I was thinking of taking some intro econ class(es) in community college during the summer though. Why? Because it’s cheaper and the grade won’t count toward my GPA. I wouldn’t want it to count toward my GPA anyways as the class doesn’t count for anything and it’s suppose to just be a good thing for me to take it, you know what I mean? What do you guys think?</p>
<p>I think it’s primarily the intro class that’s the toughest. Though I have yet to complete the minor, the others are significantly easier. I’d say go for it, if there’s one tough weeder class who cares, that’s pretty much the name of the game at UCLA anyway.</p>
<p>If you’re looking to do MPP I would definitely consider it. For MPP/MPA applications, you have to submit a policy memo, which you would have plenty to choose from if you did the minor. If you had never written a memo before, this could be pretty challenging. Also, they’ll see that you already have experience in the subject and are therefore serious about it, so what do you have to lose? I’d advise at least taking 10A and seeing how you like it. If you hate it, at least you know how to write a memo, and you can move on.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>notaznguy, If you plan it right, the only Public Affairs courses you’ll have to take are the capstone and the intro course, since the rest can overlap with your poli sci minor. That’s what I did. As for econ, I’m taking econ 1 and 2 here because I plan to get an MA in International Relations, and since most grad schools frown up P/NP, I figured I’d take it for a grade. I’m awful at math, and while I could take it at community college, I might as well take it while I’m here.</p>
<p>abraxas, do you think you can private message me? I don’t understand how Poli Sci can overlap/replace Public Affairs courses.</p>
<p>And as for Econ, um…I’m pretty sure taking some intro econ classes is recommended, but it isn’t necessary right? I mean, I figure grad schools pretty much look at your GPA, GRE, ECs, work experience, etc.</p>