<p>I'm trying to decide between the University of Chicago and Duke, and my major will most likely be in Political science/public policy. I've heard that both schools have nationally top-notch departments, but I'd really appreciate more info, especially from current students.</p>
<p>Depends what field you want to go into.</p>
<p>Political Science at Duke, I feel is strongest in the international relations area. One of the department's biggest names is Peter Feaver-- he's currently on sabbatical working as a special advisor for the National Security Council. I know nothing about the PoliSci dept at Chicago, but the Duke one is solid. I've taken a few classes (thought I was going to be a major, decided otherwise, but decision had nothing to do with the department, rather my interests fell elsewhere) and have enjoyed them. PPS is a great department-- very well rounded, interdisciplinary curriculum. Sanford PPS is one of the strongest programs in the nation. Its focus is more national, I feel. The department has a core curriculum, but for your electives you can take all sorts of things: economic policy, history about foriegn policy, lots of media/journalism courses (taught by professors like William Raspberry who had a column in the Washington Post, and Judy Woodruff who worked for CNN)</p>
<p>b u m p....I originally wanted to do poli sci before going on to law school, but am now leaning toward Duke's public policy program. Can anyone, esp. those going to/admitted to law school, offer advice?</p>
<p>Honestly-- I'd say the majority of PoliSci majors are probably going to go to law school, and a good percentage of PPS majors are as well (not all because PPS is so broad that you can want to go into journalism, major in PPS and never go to law school). One department isn't going to give you a leg up over the other, to be quite honest. It's just a personal preference. I personally am under the persuasion that PPS is a better all-around program than PoliSci is for numerous reasons, but a friend of mine feels differently (this friend also feels that any Trinity major that isn't PoliSci is not legit and is cake and a joke, so take her opinions with a grain of salt). A lot of people looking to go into law school either double major, or major in PPS and minor in political science. I mean, there are poli sci classes that are very beneficial for being a lawyer (elective classes, like Erwin Chemerinsky's constitutional law class), but I feel a lot of the political science department is so geared toward international relations, and so many people want to go into foreign service as well. Again, it all depends on your academic interests and career goals.</p>
<p>And you also don't need to major in PoliSci or PPS to stand a good chance at a top law school. To be quite honest, some of the students I know who have had the most success in getting accepted at top law schools have been engineers. I'm an English major and haven't ruled it out-- I know a ton of English majors planning on going to law school, and some who've gotten into harvard law for next year (english majors traditionally do among the best on their lsats). Lots of history majors do well getting into law school.</p>
<p>PPS will give you more interdisciplinary approach - includes econ, statistics. may open up more options like MPA, MBA...Duke PPS is an excellent major and has excellent political/DC connections.<br>
Chicago may still carry more currency in business community and abroad.</p>
<p>can someone compare the relative difficulties, time commitments, studying needed, etc. for majoring @ Duke in poli sci vs. public policy? I know that this varies for each student, but an overall comparison would be appreciated...thanks!</p>