<p>Hi all,
I'm attending Stanford University this fall and would like to learn more about its academic program.I know it's a bit too early to think about my major right now but I will anyway.I have a strong interest in Political Science and a somewhat ambivalent interest in economics.To be honest,if Political Science were more practical and sought-after by consulting companies,I would not think about doubling major at all because I truly love it.On the contrary,economics seems to prepare students better for Business Schools and consulting jobs,which I might want to pursue 4 years from now(my current plan is going to law school,which is quite related to political science).All things considered,I believe it is a good plan for me to double major in politics and economics at Stanford,which,unlike Harvard and Princeton,does not deliberately discourage students from doing so.Is it a sensible plan? Will it be too difficult(some people say it is easy because politics is closely related to economics,but I have to take more courses anyway)? Will it be useful?</p>
<p>I've posted elsewhere about double majoring - in general, it's doable but not always the best move. Double majoring in polisci and econ will fit into your schedule, especially if you declare early (mid soph. year) and work through the plan with you advisor(s).</p>
<p>But before you rush to that, consider the advantages of writing an honors thesis/studying abroad/interning while a student/minoring instead of working towards a double major. Also, consider the public policy major--it's a mixture of courses in both fields. It's not to say there aren't situations where a double major makes sense, but there might be better ways to use your time.</p>
<p>I'm not a Stanford grad, but I think I can offer some insight here into the strengths/weaknesses of poli sci and econ.</p>
<p>First off, I recommend that you at least heavily consider taking a lot of econ. If your plans change later, and you decide to go into political science graduate work, econ experience will help you quite a bit. However, if you really don't enjoy it, I wouldn't double major in it. Just take the fundamentals and a few classes that will help you to develop a firm grasp of the concepts and maybe take a second major or minor in something you enjoy, like a second language.</p>
<p>I wouldn't worry too much about your major affecting your ability to get a job. It's not your major that is important per se, but your work experience. Stanford I know offers great internship opportunities to its undergrads. Take advantage of them, and the world will be at your fingertips later.</p>
<p>So to recap: If you hate econ, don't major in it. Still, take enough courses in it to get the fundamentals down. Take a second major only in something you enjoy. Maybe a language. Internships are like 24k gold on your resume, and who doesn't like 24k gold?</p>