<p>This fall, I will be attending Marquette University. I am enrolled in the Honors Program and I am excited about what the college experience holds. However, I have a dilemma:
I intend on majoring in political science and eventually pursuing grad school work in order to get a PhD. However, knowing that this is a relatively big gamble in terms of being able to find a stable career (social science/humanities majors aren't what's hot right now), I thought about also majoring in secondary education, mostly due to the fact that a degree in that would pretty much guarantee me a job. Upon further review, though, it seems like majoring in education as well hinders certain opportunities for me to really build up a good undergraduate political science career (i.e. Less time for research, among other things). So here is my ultimate dilemma: Should I major in political science so that I can prepare myself adequately for eventually pursuing my PhD, or should I major in both political science AND education, which would help get me a job, but might steer me off course from my future plans. I feel as if getting a PhD in political science will only really help me get a job as a professor if I enroll in a top grad program, which is entirely possible, but a big gamble to take. Thanks for your input!</p>
<p>It is good to have goals, but it is probably too soon in your college career to be picking out your grad program. People’s interests change with their college experience. In your Honors College can you try out a few subjects during your first year LAC-style? You might find direction as you see what interests you and what you’re good at. You probably don’t have to make these choices and commitments this early.</p>
<p>As far as your question: Landing a tenure-track college job in Political Science will be extremely difficult, and unlikely. That should not prevent you from pursuing a Ph.D., but your eyes should be open. As far as secondary ed., can’t you get certification without being an Ed major? I think, depending on the state, it takes a few courses and a stint of student teaching.
Good Luck!</p>
<p>Wouldn’t there be somewhat limited secondary school teaching positions if you could only teach government courses? It seems it would be better if you paired it with another field, e.g., history, economics, speech.</p>
<p>Teaching is the only employment option with a political science major should you not continue all the way to a doctorate. For example, a double major of political science + economics also could prepare you for various government/, not-for-profit, or business positions. It would also provide a strong foundation for various areas of graduate study. A double major of political science + speech could prepare you for communication positions in political organizations (speech writing?, campaigns?). Political communication also might be an area of focus for graduate work if that particular topic interests you. </p>
<p>Although professional schools don’t provide the same level of funding as doctoral programs, if you can afford it other postgrad options for a political science major include professional programs in public policy, health policy, urban planning, law, environmental policy, international relations, etc. Some of these options can be pursued to the doctoral level as well.</p>