<p>I will be attending Fordham at Rose Hill. I am beginning to complete the freshman registration for my classes next year. I was researching the majors at Fordham and saw the International Political Economy major. This immediately interested me. I was just wondering if Fordham was strong in this department. Also I wanted to know if this major was viewed positively because I have heard that many people feel as if interdisciplinary majors are useless. Lastly, would I be able to attend Fordham as undecided and then declare for the IPE major later or is it a major that I have to declare before I enter the school?</p>
<p>Welcome to Fordham. As I drift away slowly…and let others take charge here. </p>
<p>First, interdisciplinary degrees are NOT useless. They are often great catalysts to graduate school placement and law school/med school. They also fulfill many students strong desires to look at problems and explore issues from multiple angles. </p>
<p>Fordham offers several wonderful interdisciplinary programs and degrees. I strongly…repeat strongly recommend you consult the Bulletin which contains academic policies and a listing of all programs, courses and faculty with credentials. </p>
<p>I don’t believe you have to pre declare for IPE as you might have to do, e.g. Pre Med or Pre Law. It is recommended that you consult with your faculty advisor and student advisor as soon as you arrive on campus and discuss your interests so they can help you map out your course work. First semester is largely selected by Fordham (particularly at Rose Hill), but after that you self select courses and mapping your degree requirements and core requirements is often complex. Not hard, but it does take focus and flexibility. </p>
<p>IPE is very strong and very respected. You should know that IPE careers are exciting, but almost everyone of noteworthiness and success in that field has a PhD and slots are highly competitive. If you have the muster to do the work, stay focused and determined and make personal sacrifices its incredibly rewarding. Fordham has outstanding placement in prestigious post graduate fellowships like the Boren Scholarship Program. Fordham also has outstanding placement in prestigious law and graduate programs, including the Ivy League. Fordham also has a long history of placing people in government service, notably at FBI and National Security jobs, some of whom have risen to the very top (look on Wikipedia for the list!) Read also the fascinating article in the New York Times online about Fordham alumnus John Brennan, who was our Commencement Speaker this year. </p>
<p>“If John Brennan is the last guy in the room with the president, I’m comfortable, because Brennan is a person of genuine moral rectitude,” Mr. Koh said. “It’s as though you had a priest with extremely strong moral values who was suddenly charged with leading a war.” </p>
<p><a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/29/world/obamas-leadership-in-war-on-al-qaeda.html[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/29/world/obamas-leadership-in-war-on-al-qaeda.html</a></p>
<p>Good luck to you. I strongly recommend IPE.</p>