Political Science or Sociology?

Question

I'm having difficulty determining which should be my major. I had initially leaned towards Sociology, but have become increasingly interested in Political Science.

So, in addition to the research I intend to do, I thought I'd ask for the general consensus here as well. Which do you think is more marketable and will get me the best and highest paying job? I want to pay off my student loans and my family's house as quickly as possible. Plus I've reached the age where I've realized that interest in noble causes and passion doesn't really matter- it's all about the almighty dollar for me now, and I don't really care how that sounds. Thanks!

I don't need the religious lecture. I am aware that money does not equal happiness. I am also aware that money does equal a roof over head, food over table, etc... And, to be honest, that's all that really matters.

I'm thinking of perhaps going to law school. Maybe even business school. Whatever I do, the BA will not be my final degree.

Answer 1

I totally understand where you come from. Yes, money does not equal happiness, but if you are investing in a college education, I think it's more than reasonable to pursue a degree that will give you the greatest return on that investment. And whether we like it or not, there is nothing sexy about not being able to pay your bills or living your life in debt. It causes alot of stress and it takes away from the quality of your life. That said, generally, Political Science and Sociology majors have a hard time trying to find jobs that pay above the minimum wage if they do not have any technical, mathematical, financial background/skills, work experience, Master's/PHD/professional degree or internship experience in the field they wish to pursue after graduating. But those Political Science and Sociology majors who do their homework and have employable skills (good statistical analysis skills, a business minor or background, work experience, good oral and written communication skills, networking abilities), these individuals come out of undergrad making a very nice living for themselves, much to the surprise of alot of people. Since Business school and Law School seem to be in your immediate plans after graduation, I would highly suggest a Business minor if this is at all possible... particularly an Economics minor or double major. Studies have shown that those who have a background in Economics make higher scores on the LSAT, and after graduating from law school, those with Economics degrees make the higher salaries!

Answer 2

If you are going to do Sociology then I highly recommend that you plan on getting a graduate degree or higher. Otherwise it pretty much is useless. You should get a graduate degree with Political Science as well, but I don't think that it is a immediate consern right out of college. You can alwasy go back and get your graduate degree. Sociology degree I think you would have to go immediately into grad program. So if that is your thing and Sociology is what you want to go for then invest the time and go for it.

Answer 3

For $ go for political science, for sociology there is no big $ unless you write some great book or something major. I am sure there are many republicans that would hire you right now just because of your $$ goals. Experience means nothing as long as you vote the party line. Check out who was hired to run things in Iraq, all were asked who they voted for, not what experience they had.

Answer 4

Speaking from experience, I have my Bachelors in Sociology, and it hasn't really helped me much in getting my dream job of working for a non-profit orginazation. I would suggest getting your political science degree. Probably will have more luck with that one, more of a widespread job market, then you could eventually go on to become a lawyer like my sister did. Good luck with what you decide though. (PS-if I had the chance to do it over again, i'd do the Political Science major)

Answer 5

Go with political science as it should provide you a better foundation for law school if you choose to go that route. Maybe things have changed since I was in college... back in the day, sociology majors tended to be those who didn't have any clear goal or vision on what they wanted to do after college..they just wanted a degree...not necessarily a bad thing...I just can't think of a job outside of a low wage state job that an employer would look at your resume and say..."great! she was a sociology major in college".

Answer 6

I think you should go to Political Science, this is more marketable then sociology.

Answer 7

I would say pick the one you are most interested in for your major than have the other as a minor for a back up plan. This way you will do better and have a higher GPA because you are interested in your major.

Honestly most employers care more that you have a degree than what that degree is in. Its all about spinning your experience to best fit the job you are applying for. Just make sure you do as many internships as you can (be it for school or on your own) It will give a advantage when you search for jobs that you have some experience (even if its only an internship)

Answer 8

If you are trying to get rich...these are not the right majors. What are you planning on doing? Social work is honorable but pays terrible. Political Science? What are you going to do with that degree? Teach it...then you also need a teaching degree with it...still the pay is poor.
If you live for monmey you will NEVER find happiness. The LOVE of money is the root of all evil.
Pray and ask God what he designed you to do...then you will find true peace and happiness.

Answer 9

I completely understand where you are coming from. I initially took Political Science as a major but soon found out that the other subjects were involved...i.e. Social Science..which totally bored me. As did Economics and Accounting. But i suppose it all comes down to who your instructors are and how they deal with the courses. Good luck on your endeavors.. I gave it up. As for just going the Political Science major to make big bucks..you might as well go on through with it and hang up a shingle and call yourself a lawyer..they do make big money.

Answer 10

Poly Sci is more lucrative. City/County/State jobs are always interested in poly sci majors. Whereas sociology majors typically end up doing only one thing....going back to get a grad degree so they can teach.