Future of a poli sci major, and a couple of other questions

College Majors
1

I’m in my freshman year of undergrad. I went in as a History major (wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do but I was interested in and good at History, so I figured why not?) and now I’m considering switching to be a Political Science major. I’m very much into politics, and would love to be part of that world. But I’m really unsure about it. I find myself unable to talk about my job prospects without sounding incredibly vague because, well, I don’t know what they are. What can I do with a poli sci major in terms of actually being part of politics? Campaign management? Working in Washington? I’d love some specific answers because Google isn’t helping all that much.

Part of me also wants to teach high school. I’ve thought about being a teacher since junior year of high school, but the lack of teaching jobs and the low salary frighten me. I’m not saying that I need a career where I can make tons of money. I grew up with very little money, money isn’t everything to me. But I really want to do better, financially, than my parents have, and they’d like that for me too. And, again, there are such a small amount of teaching jobs available (especially on Long Island, where I’d want to live and teach).

And on the other hand, what is there for me to do with just a History major (without that Education track/teacher certification)? I’ve read that many business and PR jobs are held by those with degrees in various liberal arts, including History. Is there any truth to this? My mother doesn’t like the idea of me switching to poli sci because she thinks it’s limiting, and would prefer I stay a History major. I don’t think she’s right, but I’m realizing I don’t really know a whole lot.

Hopefully people will read through all this and help me out. I’m really anxious, mostly because the school that I’m attending has a pretty rigorous Education track, and if I don’t tell them that I’m going to go on it by the end of next semester, it would be difficult for me to graduate in four years.

Thank you!

2

Are people ignoring this or is there genuinely nobody who can answer these questions?

3

I wonder the same thing you wrote on your last post, since I have also started a topic with no replies from anyone but myself. :stuck_out_tongue:

The only thing I am able to contribute to your questions is that both social sciences are excellent choices of a liberal arts education. Political science could suit you better if you are thinking of working in politics, no matter if it is for political parties, in public administration, international relations etc. History could suit you better if you are thinking of being a high-school teacher or get into archaeology, museums etc. Both are great should you be interested in pursuing an academic career in their respectable subjects.

I believe that, for unrelated business to either degree, your choice of liberal arts education would not matter. I also believe that a business degree is not necessary to get access to any job in the business world, excluding accounting, and partly finance (and, of course, computer-related jobs). However, I also would like someone’s opinion on this.

In any case, I think that liberal arts education is excellent, that is why universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Brown, Princeton etc. do not offer undergraduate business programs. An MBA would be suitable (and often not necessary as well) for administrative business positions, otherwise most career paths in the business sector are reachable with a social science degree. Again, if someone with more experience can contribute something on the matter, he is more than welcome to share his opinion.

Some links which might be helpful, concerning the issue of business programs:
http://www.browndailyherald.com/2013/04/05/taking-sides-should-brown-have-a-business-degree/
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/college_guide/blog/business_professor_dont_study.php

P.S: I know that I answered mostly a part of your questions and could contribute little to your dilemma, but I don’t know a great deal about either of these specific programs you are asking about. I wish you the best of luck in all your choices. If you can access the career you want through either of these programs, pick the one you love studying about more.

4

Why don’t you try to get an internship in politics for the summer and see how you like it? One of my kids was a Poli Sci major, and interned for a well-known US senator on the Hill one summer. I will be honest… it turned her off to a life in politics, but better that she found it out then, I think. She still majored in Poli Sci with a second major as well, and got a job she really likes where her research and writing skills are valued. She has moved up the ladder nicely at her company. But some students love it, and dive right into DC jobs upon graduation.

History majors often end up teaching or going to law school (although I think either route could also be available to a poli sci major). I don’t see how history opens any MORE doors, it isn’t "limiting’ to switch to another social sciences field, IMHO.