Political Science or English major?

Question

Please help me choose my major, I will be applying to law school upon graduation. I will possibly pursue a political future also, which major do you think will prepare me best.

Answer 1

Polisci for sure. I'm surprised at some of the answers saying that polisci didn't teach them politics. I guess they didn't go to very good schools. There are several areas of focus in political science, with American politics being the best for politics I believe. However, comparative politics and International Relations are also fine if you are considering going into some public service job, like working in the state dept. as a diplomat. Also, most good schools will offer international law classes as part of their poli sci curriculum. This is certainly a good intro into law school and is really relevant to today's issues. It will help you tear apart people's crazy claims of something being against international law because you actually read some treaty or convention, unlike them.

I got my BA in poli sci from Purdue and I have to say that they did an excellent job, but you have to prepare yourself as well by taking relevant core classes. I took many American history classes, since that was my minor, and also 5 econ classes, plus 4 foreign language classes, so I feel I got a decent education and it helped get me into graduate school, specializing in IR now. One area that I did not focus on enough was communications. Purdue had a required speech class that I took as a freshman, but that is all. I cannot overemphasize how important it is to learn how to do academic research and then present your findings in a powerpoint presentation. I can debate, but standing up and giving a crappy speech on a lame topic is something I've had issues with and you should learn how to do that well if you are interested in being a public servant. Good luck.

Answer 2

Probably neither. Poly Sci won't teach you politics, but only theory. You might be better off with Economics, or Finance. Politics has a lot to do with MONEY, you know.

The theory of majoring in English is that Law involves a lot of reading and writing. However, you need not be brilliant at language, in order to thrive in Law. Law is a very practical and hardheaded career, and it involves PEOPLE. I'd even say you ought to study Psychology, over Poly Sci or English. Besides, what a lawyer uses is Rhetoric (Persuasive writing and speech) rather than literature.

Also, if you are wealthy enough to consider a political life, studying money will help you to manage what you have and acquire. No one gets far in politics without family or monetary clout.

History would not be a bad minor.

Answer 3

Speaking from experience, Political Science has NOTHING to do with politics... you'll end up HAVING to go to Law school, which isn't as easy to get into as most think.

English majors will end up doing something that has nothing to do with their major (or teach).

If you really want to go to law school, take the political science route... it's easy, has less of a work load than an english major, and if you have half a brain you should be able to consistently make Dean's list.

Back that up with a couple minors, History classes usually satisfy many of the other requirements you'll need as a political science major and is the easiest minor to get in conjunction with poly sci.

Likewise, you could maybe throw in an english minor as well if you really want. Take a few business courses to balance yourself out... trust me, you'll need to have a few professors that actually have an objective standard of grading.

Answer 4

Isn't it obvious? Political science. English is great, but you'll be reading Milton as opposed to Machiavelli. Political science will prepare you for the political arena and help you make connections in just that field. Plus, political science requires you to keep on top of current events and issues, vital for any politician.

Of course, if you really have a love of English, why not double major? It'll be harder, but then you'll be doubly prepared for whatever life throws at you. :P

Whatever you choose, good luck!

Answer 5

i have lots of attorney friends. probably half of them have English bachelors and half have political science backgrounds. can you get a double major? either one will get you where you want to go but you might want to look up the stats on your dream law school and see what their graduates majored in for their BAs.
Good luck!

Answer 6

if you want to pursue something in politics then choose political science, if you change your career then do english because it will help with just about anything

Answer 7

Both of those are common majors for a future lawyer. Choose the one you will get the highest GPA in.

Answer 8

science is great...... though everyone in the us needs to know english?