Hi Everyone,
I just wanted different opinions on what major I should go for. I have always had an interest in geopolitics, current events, elections, political science, and economics, but fear that IR and poli sci aren’t as practical as an economics degree. However, an economics degree would require much more math, and while I have an aptitude for mathematics, it isn’t my strong suit and I don’t possess much affection for it.
After college, I have several ideas of what field I would like to go into. I am fascinated with analysis, and would love to work as an analyst for a think tank (Brookings, Cato, etc.) or the government (CIA, FBI, State Department, etc.). Depending on my concentrations in college, I could focus on the domestic or international spheres. However, I am also interested in voter behavior and election psychology and have an interest in campaign management. I recognize I should take some classes in communications if I plan on going into campaigning. Finally, I also have a slight interest in finance and economics and working on Wall Street.
So what do you guys think? Is my apathy for math a barrier? Could I still have a strong poli sci background as an economist and work as an analyst or campaigner? Thanks!
Your prospects for good employment are better if you develop quantitative skills (math) and if you major in economics. rather than political science or international relations. Courses in political science and international relations can be done as electives.
If you want to do analysis, you need to know math. Even political science at high (analyst-worthy) levels involves some level of quantitative facility (mostly with statistics), and analyst positions usually require some facility with statistical analysis, particularly in the fields you’re interested in. You don’t have to be the greatest math genius in the world, but you do need to be solid. The kinds of jobs you mentioned require a lot of stats analysis, although as a research associate it’ll probably be basic to intermediate statistics.
That said, I’m not sure that I agree your prospects for employment are better with economics than political science; it entirely depends on what you want to do. Your career goals seem well suited for a major in either. Actual employment statistics show that the unemployment rate for both recent graduates and experienced college graduates in both fields is roughly the same.
You can acquire some quant facility without majoring in economics - one easy way to do that is major in political science and minor in statistics, or take some statistics classes.
So I’d say it’s really just up to your interests.