<p>Hi, I'm currently a college sophomore and feeling very conflicted. I'm torn between studying politcal science or art history for my BA. I really love both subjects and wish I could double major but it isn't possible. I was leaning towards a poli sci major and just taking some art history electives, but the poli sci major is so large that, with the exception of one class, I can only take poli sci courses and gen eds in my time left. But if I'm an art history major I'll have time to take at least four poli sci electives (in addition to one I'm taking this semester.)</p>
<p>I'm positive that I want a career in international affairs(state department for a while, and then the UN) and not something art related (but I love studying it.) And I know I want to get my MIA.
So basically, I'm wondering wheter I will be able to get into an MIA program with a BA in Art History, or should I major in poli sci. </p>
<p>Also I have one domestic NGO internship lined up for next semester as well as one in Africa for the summer and I'm hoping to do an internship with the state department abroad in summer '08. I will also be going abroad next fall. Is this enough work experience to be accepted into an MIA program straight out of college? Or to compensate for an "unconventional" undergrad major?</p>
<p>Thanks a lot for reading and for any help you can offer.</p>
<p>If you like art history so much, go read some books on art history. That seems like a very self-teachable subject, and a degree in it is not at all useful for your intended career.</p>
<p>thursday, I'm not in a position to give you guidance on the criteria for getting into a an MIA or graduate IR program, but I am a former art history major who now works in international business, so I'll give you my (unofficial) opinion.</p>
<p>Art History is a wonderful discipline for learning skills that can be applied to many fields. You learn to look (really look), write, evaluate, analyze, argue, present. You must connect aesthetics with history with technique with culture with religion with politics with media etc, etc. It's as multifaceted and complex as political science.</p>
<p>I think your internships are excellent preparation for your eventual career and believe me wherever you are in the world and whatever you end up doing your art history background will make you a more interesting and interested person.</p>
<p>I live in a third world country and although I'm personally employed in the private sector I interact constantly with people who work at the Embassy or who are involved in NGO's. I can say unconditionally that this is a very bright AND culture-aware group. Although most of them have advanced degrees in the type of programs that you aspire to, their undergraduate experiences are quite varied.</p>
<p>I think you will be fine. I was a history major and am now a grad student in IR, my major didn't seem to make any difference at all, especially since I had relevant international and internship experience.</p>
<p>Thanks for all of your replies. You've really helped a lot. I'm going to speak with a few people at my school about this issue (my school has an IR grad program) but I am leaning towards art history.</p>