<p>I can't seem to find exactly what I'm looking for, so decided to somewhat ask on this thread. Well ofcourse I know the differences between graduate and undergraduate school. Though I'm in question of the two schools major differences, say when one is taking international relations ( major) as a undergraduate... and go to graduate school for international relations, I assume graduate school would just go more in detial. Also say one major in political science as a undergraduate, then go to graduate school and specialize in the major, and for graduate school focus on international relations... I'm trying to figure out the major differences of doing this, and ones learning of. I don't know how to exactly put the question, but I assume only a small percentage of undergraduates countinue to graduate school... is that what most specialize majors are for? Those who do not intend to go to graduate school, and so major in international relations vs. one who intend to go to graduate school and major in political science ( and international relations for graduate)... speaking the same for economics ( as you may notice graduate schol offers a lot of specializations). </p>
<p>I ask this question because I plan to major in international relations/ studies and also double major/ minor in economics. I also plan to at least get my masters degree. </p>
<p>(Didn't know which forum would be best to place my question)</p>
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I would assume having a specialize undergraduate major would help one get their foot in the door of their career field.
Still looking for answers…</p>
<p>Okay:</p>
<p>1) I can barely grasp what you are asking
2) This should go on the grad school forum.
3) People can major in int relations in undergrad and then go to grad school for international relations. I personally would not get two degrees in the exact same thing. But that is just me.</p>
<p>But anyways, go on the grad forum and look at the topic called “So you want to get a MA in IR” or something like that (its the first thread on there), and read through that before you start a thread since they will just tell you to use the search function. There are like three or four really long threads about international relations on there.</p>
<p>It’s very helpful.</p>
<p>Okay, I will check those threads out.</p>
<p>So from my understanding your saying it’s best to major in political science, I’m really confused now.</p>
<p>( I know I was confused while asking the question, and probably stated sentences twice)</p>
<p>If you can give the links that will also be helpful.</p>
<p>Well I can’t say what’s best. I’m not in grad school yet. You could major in economics, sociology, history, languages etc etc. </p>
<p>You are not limited to just IR or Government in undergrad so don’t feel like you HAVE to major in one of those to get a masters in IR.</p>
<p>Here’s one: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/graduate-school/599432-so-you-want-ma-ir.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/graduate-school/599432-so-you-want-ma-ir.html</a></p>
<p>I’ll get the other ones in a sec.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>No I plan to double major/ also have a minor. I would like to major in international relations and also double major/ minor in economics. Though I do plan to attend graduate school to at least get my masters degree, which is why I question if it’s best for me to major in political science/ government as a undergraduate along with my major/ minor in economics. Then again, if I double major… I doubt I will be going to graduate school to double major, but maybe… if possible (or attending graduate school twice for each).</p>
<p>I see, and now remember that I can attend a international relations graduate school, or even economics like I mention, but who knows if I don’t decided to also attend law or buisness. Again, I’m sure if can enter graduate school more than once if I decide it’s needed… but I do find myself debating on political science and economics, or international relations and economics.</p>
<p>To have the most options open major in math and double major or minor in the subject you decide you want to go to grad school in.</p>
<p>There are also a lot of IR/MBA or IR/JD Law dual degree programs if you do decide you would like to do both.</p>
<p>Between poli sci and IR as an undergrad I would just look at the classes they offer and pick the major that has the most classes that you are interested in. That’s basically how I decided between my majors. xD</p>
<p>Venkat89 thanks, but actually I decided to have the most options open… majoring in economics and international relations/ studies ( now debating on political science) will be the best way to go, and also are the two that catch my interest the most. </p>
<hr>
<p>I can just look at the classes offered for each major, and decided which interest me the most…</p>
<p>You’ll have to take a lot of extra math then if you were considering econ grad school. If you weren’t considering that then it probably doesn’t matter too much what you major in specifically.</p>
<p>I’m considering many different graduate schools, though I would only assume a economics undergraduate major will prepare one no less for a economics graduate school… if it does prepare one less I would be surprised.</p>
<p>For a good econ grad school you’ll need a lot more math than what is required for an econ major. If you only want an MA in econ you could get away with less math, but very few top schools offer the degree are LSE, Duke, and NYU.</p>
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<p>I’ll second Venkat and give a little of my own feedback. I would probably feel pretty comfortable saying that a math major with strong numerical and statistical background, along with a minor in economics would even be more prepared. Math isn’t easy stuff to pick up on the side if you’ve never seen it before, and I daresay it usually gives people more of a tough time than economics does (not to be elitist at all though).</p>
<p>You should consider classes in advanced probability, numerical analysis, basic real analysis at the level of understanding Lebesgue integration (see a standard undergraduate text like Rudin’s Principles of Mathematical Analysis for the intro, then grab a book like Stein and Shakarchi’s book from the Princeton series for the measure theory). The latter book is probably more friendly (and yet good) than many others; at least, I say so having looked at other books in the series. Another book for less basic analysis is Royden’s one; you’ll also find measure theory there. Of course, linear algebra, multivariable calculus, and standard single-variable calculus are bread and butter as well.</p>
<p>Honestly, my interest does not lie in this kind of math, but all the same my advice above is sound. If you’re not interested in picking up this flavor of math, you should consider that your peers in economics graduate school very likely will, and both gaining admission and making it through the program may be a drag. </p>
<p>A strong performance in both an economics and a math major with emphasis on gaining many of the skills I mentioned above will probably be the surest way to get you to econ grad school.</p>
<p>I don’t get it, you mean one who has to take ( for example) 40 credit hours in Economics, it won’t prepare them for graduate school at all?</p>
<p>I’m not definite yet on what I would like to attend graduate school for, though I’m not looking to be largely limited.</p>
<p>I guess now I just find myself debating on political science or international relations/ studies along with double major/ minor in economics.</p>
<p>Never mind my question above, as I figured it out myself. Having a major in economics prepare and knowledge one for many fields. I don’t find myself debating on my major with economics and recent questions raised( I can further look into that situation when I find out what university I will be attending, and whether I need to add math more math courses myself… if I prefer ofcourse). I just really find myself in a situation debating between political science and international studies/ relations since I do plan to at least get my masters ( just not sure in what though, or maybe more than one thing), thanks for the help.</p>
<p>political science and international relations are very similar.</p>
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<p>It’s just that graduate work in economics tends to involve more math than they teach you in a standard major. -It’s not that an economics major doesn’t take enough effort by itself, just that what distinguishes a lot of advanced topics is that they also are more mathematical. </p>
<p>You will certainly need to add the math if you plan on an economics PhD. Else, probably not. If your primary interest is in IR, and you’re not enthusiastic about math for instance, I see no reason to take all that math.</p>