<p>As now my top major political science/ international relations I was wondering what type of core subjects are taken/ needed to be prepared for a job or further education into graduate school. Are there science courses required ( such as biology, chemistry etc....) or even math courses ( which I do assume, such as: calculus, statistics etc...)? A general ideal of the classes taken... have been reviewing required courses on (university).edu, and no general ideal of whether math and science classes are taken ( though I do assume math is needed).</p>
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<p>I assumed this may be the best forum for my thread.</p>
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<p>Also, what schools do you think are good in political science/ international relations?
Such as:
Michigan State University
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
University of Wisconsin- Madison
University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
Indiana University- Bloomington
University of Illinios- Champaign
Ohio State University- Columbus
University of Maryland- College Park
Pennslyvania State University- University Park
University of Colorado- Boulder
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
University of Washington- Seattle
Purdue University</p>
<p>University of Michigan is one of the top schools…Washington is also good, etc. </p>
<p>University of Colorado is a midrank political science program (I go to undergrad there but my bf is a grad student here). They just opened a new EU research center and hence are really focused on western european politics and I think there’s a pretty strong latin american politics program. Our IR program though is currently looking for professors, it’s mainly comparative politics. </p>
<p>Wherever you go, I highly recommend taking a strong set of math/statistics/economics courses in addition to your PS/IR major. Graduate work involves a good bit of econometrics, statistical analysis, and even sometimes game theory. Getting a good background (maybe even a minor) in some of those skills at the undergrad level will prove that you’re capable of handling graduate-level work and will set you apart from other applicants.</p>
<p>Really, I thought there were at least a few universities great in that field… I’m confused a little, almost seems like certain schools only concentrate in certain areas, which wouldn’t be good at all.</p>
<p>Except as mentioned above (statistics, econometrics, etc.), math and science courses are not part of the course requirements for an IR/Political science major. Math and science courses are part of your general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree. There are many international problems that involve issues of science and technology, e.g., global warming, nuclear proliferation & disarmament, hunger, etc. You’re not expected to be an expert in the science and technology, but you do need to be able to understand the policy discussion.</p>
<p>There are many universities with good political science departments, some stronger than others. And, yes, different universities do tend to have different areas of strength and focus within those departments. It’s unlikely to make a huge difference for you at the undergrad level, unless you have an interest in certain language and area studies that are not offered at the particular school (e.g., Middle Eastern Studies) you choose.</p>
<p>I believe Foreign Policy magazine ranked IR programs. You should be able to find the link in another thread elsewhere on CC.</p>
<p>Definitely take Statistics. Take a few sociology classes. Consider taking an Environmental Science course as one of your science general ed. requirements. Take a Public Speaking course. Take a Philosophy course. If you’re good at languages, try to take a foreign language through fluency. Declare a minor along with the Political Science major.</p>
<p>Get to know your Political Science professors. You will need strong Professor recommendations as part of your grad school applications. Do some independent research on your own and try to get one of your papers published. Read–daily newspaper, online news, publications such as Foreign Policy magazine, and biographies of world leaders. Nail down your research and writing skills. Engage in classroom discussions–know your material and be confident enough to be a leader in the classroom.</p>
<p>IR grad school is somewhat of a concretely win/lose situation. I would only spend money going to an IR grad school if I was attending SAIS, SIPA, SFS or Fletcher. Otherwise, plan on a lot of starvation; you most certainly wont’ be hired at the World Bank or UN with a degree from the aforementioned schools.</p>
<p>I was speaking of undergraduate school for universities listed on this site.</p>
<p>Thanks for replies, I think I will more so major in international relations, possibly a specialization such as political economy ( though I think a specialization is required) and may have a minor, though I question why should I consider a minor?</p>
<p>^You should minor in something because it adds another dimension to your applications for grad school as well as employment. My older son is a Political Science Major. His school requires Political Science majors to fulfill general ed requirements, political science requirements, a political science concentration, plus either a cognate or a minor outside of political science.</p>
<p>I would look at schools in the Boston/NYC/Chicago/DC metros, LA or SF for a more Asian focus…or if not and you want a “college town” feel…then go with a college town that is also a capital city (i.e. Tallahassee (FSU), Austin (UT) Denver (UCB))…They tend to be the best in IR/PS…plus will have better internship opportunities and career networking…</p>
<p>I did a bunch of research for MPP/MPA and these are the best for the PS/IR as well…all interrelated. </p>