<p>I am really confused by this. I like international relations and I thought I would go with poli sci with concentration in International Relations ( one of its four subfields). Then I saw that SFS offers degrees SPECIFICALLY in International relations. What confused me the most is that its degree is Bachelor of Science in foreign service vs. Bachelor of Arts usually given to poli sci majors. Can anyone bring some clarity to this matter? I do not really know which one to go with. Will the BSFS be regarded "better" than polisci major?</p>
<p>PS: I do not want to necessarily work in an abroad program in some kind of embassy. I would be fine with any international oriented government agency or institution.</p>
<p>EDIT: They also seem to require 4 credits in economics in their core for some reason. Thats more than any other courses required.</p>
<p>B.S. is usually meant to mean that the course of study was more focused in the major, whereas a B.A. is granted when the study was more broad in its approach. Economics is a very important part of international relations, which is why there are so many required courses. Other than the University required theology and literature courses, all of the core SFS requirements are germane to international relations, which requires a proseminar (small interdisciplinary courses designed to train students in the academic reading and writing skills necessary for success in the SFS program), intro to IR, comparative political systems, world history, 2 non-western history courses, political and social thought, a second philosophy course, the four econ courses, map of the modern world, proficiency (actual conversation) in a foreign language, plus the theology and literature courses , whereas the college poli sci degree will require two theology courses, two philosophy courses, two writing/literature courses, two history courses, two math/science courses, two social science courses, and intermediate proficiency in a language (through 4 courses). </p>
<p>So think of this, if you want to study IR, would you rather have your degree based entirely around courses that are of importance to the major, or would you rather be required to take math, science, generic philosophy, generic history? if you want IR, SFS is the best choice. Also, Georgetown is always prestigious, but the SFS is unmatched.</p>
<p>unless your major in the SFS requires it (for example STIA-math and science would be required, IPEC or IECON would require calculus for advanced econ). If you major in the traditional “IR” major, being International Politics in the SFS, math is not required.</p>
<p>wow… I really need to get things together and try to get there. I regret I could not apply this year because I lacked third subject test. I want to transfer from Emory for 2010, do you think transfer admission to SFS is very competitive? at least more than other schools?</p>
<p>PS. Does anyone have an idea where to get their most recent application for transfers? or at least essay prompts?I only have the old one.</p>
<p>34 ACT. 2050 SAT (only took once, sent ACT score in). 790 Math II. 780 History. 690 Literature. 4.38 GPA (at time of application). Ranked 1/371.</p>
<p>SFS hands down. i don’t see a reason why you would pick the college over sfs if you want to be doing anything politics/government/international related. it simply has a much better reputation in the field–you can ask around.</p>
<p>^ yes, I realized that recently. There will be so many useless things I will not be required to take that it is certainly a relief. Its better to have a much greater concentration only on what I specifically like to do. Now I m thinking if it is really hard to get into?</p>
<p>^ I do not think so. The statistics on their website show that there is only +/- 1% difference between acceptance rates for the two - that is the data for freshman admissions. However, I do think that acceptance to SFS will be harder if you do not make a good “match” for the school, meaning if you can not explain yourself clearly why you want this specific field. Explanations for college can be more broad I think but when you go to sfs - school very concentrated on foreign affairs unlike college where you have to take pretty much a little bit of everything - then you have to have something of specific relevance to your candidacy for the school.</p>
<p>the college actually has a lower acceptance rate than the sfs. the college has significantly more applicants, which may be one of the reasons why their acceptance rate is driven so low. there is a bit of self selection within the sfs in terms of what kind of people apply…also, the admissions office data states sfs student body has a higher mean and median SAT score and class rank than the other three schools.</p>