<p>I am interested in pursuing a career as a politician, and am split between getting a graduate degree in political science, or becoming a lawyer. I know I should have a backup profession in case I do not get elected or whatever (<em>cough</em> scandal <em>cough), but I might also *possibly</em> <em>maybe</em> consider being a professor of poli. sci. Anyway, would I be better off with a JD, or a PhD in poli sci? [note that I do not intend to pursue a career as a lawyer].</p>
<p>You don't need a law degree to get into politics. Look at many of the politicians in Washington today!</p>
<p>I know for fact that President Bush has a MBA, not a law degree!</p>
<p>To assure you, go check out several Congressmen's biographies on their webpages at either <a href="http://www.house.gov%5B/url%5D">www.house.gov</a> OR <a href="http://www.senate.gov%5B/url%5D">www.senate.gov</a>.</p>
<p>I know that many do not have degrees in law, but as a practical backup to not being elected to office and having some other skill, and having a better understanding of the law, I would like opinions on whether I should pursue that, or an advanced degree in Poli. Sci or public administration, which seem more in-tune with day-to-day operations of government</p>
<p>I would think a JD would be the best back-up plan (John Edwards). Being a prof is not easy, and getting tenure is even harder. Would you rather be a prof or a lawyer though? While being a politician would be very cool, it's not something you can count on, and you really need to have something you love to back it up</p>
<p>Pick a backup career as if it were you primary career. A lot of politicians start out as just regular citizens (maybe with no intent into going into politics even) and then go into politics too. So think what would you want to do if you weren't in politics. </p>
<p>I know you say you don't want to be a lawyer, but getting a JD doesn't necessarily mean you will end up being a lawyer. You can venture into other fields, such as consulting, business, perhaps be a professor of law, etc. But it seems like these types of careers aren't the ones you're looking for, so despite the "prestige" and versatility of a JD, it might not fit you. </p>
<p>I would think if you want to work in the government, both a JD and a PhD in political science could suit you equally well, but perhaps the Law School board on this forum can give you better advice.</p>
<p>you can basically do anything if you wanna be a politician.. statistically most members of congress were lawyers or businesspeople before they got invovled in politics</p>
<p>Anarchy: as you point out in your post, one can only be a politician if one is elected to office - and that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with scandals.</p>
<p>Most people are not enthusiastic about voting for a person who does not have a job and does not have any practical life exerience. So, rather than looking for a major that will enable you to become a politician, look for a possible career that's of interest to you, since you will spend many years studying for it and many more years working in it even if you are elected (many political positions are only part-time). Then, to get into politics, volunteer for campaigns or look for a job in a campaign (remembering that these jobs are only temporary) and get active in the local chapter and activites of whichever party you find attracts you.</p>
<p>Oh yes, unless you plan to run on the Anarchy ticket (not much chance of getting elected in most places), I would not use your current screen name in political activities.</p>
<p>But Edwards wasn't a politician with lawyer as a backup plan, he was a very well known personal injury lawyer before he became a politician (and was rich enough by the time he got in to politics to not have to worry about money). The question is what you like doing the most, assuming politics doesn't work out.</p>
<p>How many politicians have you ever heard of the have a Ph.D in poli sci?</p>
<p>My point was just he was successful before he got into politics, not that it was coming in necesarily the order of politician than lawyer. just wanted to clear that up</p>
<p>Out of the two suggestions you make, would you enjoy life more as a practicing lawyer if politics didn't work out or as a professor or political journalist, because those are likely alternate jobs with those degrees.</p>
<p>Btw, even if you are successfuly elected, you need to plan what you're going to do after you leave office. It's unlikely you're going to be re-elected until you die, especially since many offices now have term limits.</p>