PS, Economics and IPE

Colleges and Universities A-Z Middlebury College
1

<p>Hey
So I was admitted to Middlebury and was intending to major in International Politics and Economics (IPE) but recently realized that I don’t have a profound understanding of the difference between IPE and a double major in Political Science and Economics.</p>

<p>Assumptions to be bolstered or misconceptions to be overhauled: IPE has a more "international" paradigm in comparison and has a less in-depth coverage of PS and Economics. Oh and yes, IPE has a regional focus and language requirement, so I guess it has a little bit of IS too.</p>

<p>I would be greatly appreciative of any information that draw from either personal experiences or hard-facts that would have any bearing on PS, Economics or IPE.
Ps I know I could learn about these things at Midd but thought I would have something to branch on if you guys gave me some pointers.
Thanks</p>

2

<p>I don’t know too much about the specific majors, but here are some general thoughts/considerations. Many students do double major, but with the distribution requirements it’s not easy if you also hope to take a few random courses outside of your majors and distribution (although maybe the random things will fit into the rrequired categories----but what if you want to take 2 or 3 music or art history or film classes, for example). IP and E probably requires fewer total courses than the two majors. The only general downside I can think of with IP and E is if you don’t have an obvious region and language in mind and would have to miss things that you want to do because of being required to choose that focus. (let’s say you are fascinated by both China and Africa, for example). Don’t worry too much now because at least they are similar majors and the basic courses may be the same.</p>

3

<p>Hi, I’m currently PSCI & ECON double major and I also had that similar problem of choosing IPE or the double major. </p>

<p>Like hitch said, it’s not easy taking courses/explore outside of your major when you are doing a double major because out of 36 courses (assuming you take 9 courses every 4 years), 20 courses (10 for each major) are to fulfill the majors requirements (IPE has 12-course requirement). Plus, with the culture/academic requirements, fulfilling them while doing double major might be slightly harder than doing IPE (but I will be able to finish it by next fall term so I don’t think it shouldn’t be a problem…considering many of the courses within PSCI and ECON can fulfill the distribution requirements, such as SOC, PHL, DED, HIS, NOR, EUR, AAL, CMP…with these 2 majors, you are bound to get a LOT of SOC). Also, with a double major, you aren’t allow to have a minor.</p>

<p>Despite all this, I’m glad I decided to do double major instead of IPE (after long hours talking with my advisor). While IPE requires fewer courses, I feel that IPE doesn’t go as in depth as the double major (IPE just gives a taste of little bit of everything…feeling of appetizers?). Of course, if I feel that way, I could take more classes beyond the IPE requirement. But by doing so, I’m few courses away from fulfilling the double major requirements, so why not do the double major? Also, as hitch mentioned, because IPE requires a specific region/language, you only get to focus on that. Doing the double major one the other hand, I’m able to explore more regions and compare them as well.</p>

<p>But I wouldn’t worry too much at this point, considering you will be incoming freshmen. Because the requirements for IPE and the double major overlap, you can always switch between the majors, depending on how you feel later in your college career. Also, by taking other courses, you might develop an interest in other departments and want to major in something else as well. Anyways, I hope you will enjoy your 1st year of midd!!</p>

4

<p>Thank You both for your responses. @admission does a double major in PS and Economics hinder one’s intentions of studying abroad?</p>

<p>Sent from my GT-I9000 using CC App</p>

5

<p>It may seeing you will have more course requirements. However, I just wanted to emphasize that although IPE sounds appealing with its name and the education associated with it, it is a disappointment. </p>

<p>As Admission stated, it does not go in depth. It is, in my blunt opinion, an excuse of a major. Do IS if you are interested in international facets of politics and other areas of studying a culture in a specific region. Do not do IPE; follow a double major or major specifically in either politics or econ and minor in the other. That still would better prepare you for anything than IPE.</p>

<p>Besides, as majors you will have registering privileges but IPE, they are considered second to majors when it comes to seminar classes for either Econ or Politics.</p>