<p>I have been trying to decide what to do with the majors I will soon graduate with and am looking for some very needed advice. Currently I am a second semester junior double majoring in political science and history. I choose political science because I loved the classes and faculty at my college. History was my original major entering college, but it has become far from my favorite subject; I am mainly keeping it because I have already done so many hours and have always thought that a double major would look valuable on my resume (probably not the best reasoning I know). What my concern now is, what are my choices with my degrees going to be? I love politics and working campaigns; I believe I could be very happy working these campaigns and I do enjoy the pressure and work that goes along with the job but I don't see too much of a future in that without a law degree. I am considering law school and plan to take the lsat next summer. I am also considering getting a masters in political science, which if I do that, I would like to continue to a Ph.D., although teaching has never been what I was interested in doing I would consider it at the college level. Advice of any kind would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.</p>
<p>My first question to you is this-- why do you need a law degree to work on a political campaign, unless you only want to be a legal adviser? Just because Josh Lyman on the West Wing went to law school doesn't mean you have to as well.... What kind of campaign work did you have in mind? Speech writing? Policy formulation? Public relations?</p>
<p>And with regards to the PhD program-- be absolutely certain that that's what you want to do. The time and effort involved in earning a PhD is much, much greater than a law degree. Also, there are joint-degree programs available at many graduate schools which allow you to earn both a JD and a PhD (usually in philosophy, poli sci, or history).</p>
<p>As far as non-law school options go, I think you'll be kind of limited unless you go to a prestigious school and/or know powerful or influential people. The first thing that comes to mind is teaching. Without an advanced degree, it would be on the primary or secondary level. Teaching, and especially in public schools, is like the priesthood-- it's not to be entered into hastily or for selfish reasons. You won't make any money, the hours will be long, and the kids unruly, but it is a valuable and under-appreciated public service. Your degrees would probably qualify you to teach some kind of history or social studies classes, once you were certified in those subjects. </p>
<p>Have you ever considered journalism? You don't need a journalism or english degree, either. In fact, I could argue that some of the very best journalists never studied journalism or writing in college. If you can write well and clearly-- and I'm assuming you will be able to after finishing degrees in poli sci and history-- you can be a journalist. What matters is the knowledge you have going into the profession. You need to be educated about something other than the journalistic profession if you want to have some perspective for your work. Poli sci and history would be both be excellent degrees for journalism, especially covering government or foreign affairs. </p>
<p>All that being said, you could work for a couple of years and THEN go to law school. In fact, many of the more renowned law schools look favorably upon work experience of a serious nature. You could teach high school for a few years, or work as a journalist, and then go on to law school. This real-world experience might even help you decide what areas of law you might want to work in some day.</p>
<p>The bottom line, though, is this: almost anything you want to do will involve more schooling and more money, so prepare yourself accordingly. Best of luck!</p>