Political Science or History

College Majors
1

<p>I been debating for this past semester on which i should choose as a major. I will have to start working on one of them starting next semester in order to transfer. History has long been my favorite subject, but I'm just scared about the career paths that will be open to me, I really don't care about the pay, geez 30k sounds great to me! (for now lol). I was planning on joining the navy or the peace corps right after college, but we all know that things happen and plans aren't always very reliable. I just want to make sure that I have some options open to me with my major. Political Science came to my attention because of the International Relations sub-field, I always liked learning about different cultures, but I also figured that I'll be learning about different cultures through history. I like learning about Political Science, I'm just not that active in working in elections and campaigning or lobbying, I tried it and it's not my thing, so I'm not sure if Political Science is the right way to go because I know you have to have some passion working with people, I mean I do love helping people I just don't like running campaigns and all that stuff, I rather join the Peace Corps or something of that nature to help others. Then comes the issue of why not just major in International Relations or Global Studies, since i like learning about foreign cultures. I'm just really stressing over which major I should choose or if I should just major in both. What kind of internships can you get as a history major? and what kind with a political science (that's not campaigning or such)?</p>

<p>My perfect job for no would be working overseas (like everyone other college student) particularly in Sweden or Russia, don't really know in what yet, but I'm not sure how one can come to obtain a job in those places. My school doesn't offer either of their languages so I'm not sure how I'll do that, but I'll talk to a counselor about that. Would my chances of working overseas become higher if I major in Political Science rather than History?</p>

<p>I'd really appreciate if anyone can answer or give me advice even if you don't know much. any help is appreciated!</p>

2

<p>wow, i have the same interests as you. i'm also a transfer student and have chosen history as my major. I'm considering a minor in poli sci or communications as well. ultimately(in my 40's, 50's), i want to teach. i've always loved history and politics, but realized that i'm not interested in campaign politics (too dirty, don't want a scandal on my hands ;)). although history may seem to limit career options, it can do just the opposite if you plan ahead. liberal arts majors in general give you many options as opposed to the sciences which are more specific and structured.</p>

<p>i chose history, frankly, because i thought i could do better GPA wise. My plan is to go to either law school or a masters program. i'm also thinking about interning for the state department (international relations might be a good major here). internships at the state dept are GREAT! you can even get a job after you graduate without having to compete with other applicants! AND you could work overseas! most domestic internships are in DC, but some are located in bigger cities. if you're planning on transferring to a UC, there is a poli sci internship program in sacramento working at the capitol. as for history, there are tons..museums (smithsonian!! and local), govt agencies, at your school, sometimes overseas if you are very well-qualified. peace corps is good for life experience. i've also considered it. i'd encourage you to go for it since you like to learn about other cultures. about the languages problem... you might consider cross enrollment in a cc nearby (or online) once you transfer if you can handle the course load.</p>

<p>whether you choose history, poli sci or international relations for undergrad, you can pretty much adapt into any other in grad school and in most careers related to them. the skills (research, writing, analysis, reading, etc.) are the same. after all, the skills are the reason we go to college in the first place. once hired, the organization will teach all you need to know about the job.</p>

<p>i hope this helped and i hope others share some advice as well. :)</p>

3

<p>I chose both. Dual major.</p>

<p>Now that I’ve gone through them, I can easily say I don’t want to do anything more with Poly Sci. The higher up you go the more ridiculous it gets. Self-righteousness emerges, and professors and writers both get more pretentious in the sense that they overcomplicate their messages. It becomes bogged down in techno-babble and statistics.</p>

<p>History was much more entertaining for me and I think it’s better preparing me for the “real world.”</p>

4

<p>wow scary stuff, I too am having the same dilemma. I always loved history and up until this year, I was set on being a history major. I wasn’t all that into the careers that come from being a history major. I am taking AP Comparative government this year, and it has opened my eyes to political science. Now, Im pretty sure im going to either double major, or major in political science and minor in history. I really want to end up in either the CIA or United Nations.</p>

5

<p>I think it depends a lot on what school you are going to. It sounds like you might want to look into International Relations. It depends on what majors your school offers and the quality of the program there.</p>

6

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<p>What other careers are you considering? </p>

<p>Unfortunately, there are a lot more degrees out there in Poli Sci and IR than there are jobs in well known institutions such as the United Nations. You may be competing with excellent students from top schools with internship experience in DC, as well as those with graduate degrees in the popular field of IR. </p>

<p>I’m not trying to crush any dreams, just advising you to consider all the possible careers (both related and unrelated to your major) that will be open to you after graduation.</p>

7

<p>This is my same dilemma. I went back to school as a History Major only because I know I love history. It comes easily to me, and I am always reading up on it. </p>

<p>Hand in hand with history, I love Politics and the American political System, as well as studying what kind of policy works and how to bring about effective change for the benefit of all. To me, the subjects almost go hand in hand. I was going to Double Major in them.</p>

<p>But I am not entirely sure of what exactly I want to do. I toss around the idea of teaching History on the college level, that would be an easy job. But something else gnaws at me.</p>

<p>I have played in bands half of my life and love being on stage. I would love to be a political pundit sometimes, have my own show with my own unique perspective. </p>

<p>But also I have very separate interests. I love Jungian Psychology, Campbell Myth study, as well as writing. I want to write books. I like learning how people learn, and finding out the best way to educate and reach kids and fix out tattered and backwards public educational system. Because of all of this, I have been rethinking my choice of a History major.</p>

<p>I am also taking Drama and Musical classes. These work out quite well for me and I can feel how much they help my other academic classes.</p>

<p>Right now I am sort of stuck on going with the History/Poli Sci double major and sticking through with masters in Education and possibly Law (for political reasons, working in Education Reform and Civil Rights) or Doing a BA in something like Psychology and Drama, then going for the Education degree and possibly working as a therapist (I am the friend that EVERYONE comes too when they are hurting emotionally or are stuck) The Psychology because of my love for Jungian theory and mythology/dream interpretations, and the ability to study how we learn.</p>

<p>I tell you, if time and money were not a problem, I would take every class! I love school!
Unfortunately I have to decide because that will affect the transfer school I pick and my life plans. </p>

<p>Any perspective would be very helpful.</p>