Should I Major in Political Science?

[@ashleyblais3317]

Thank you so much for making this! I'm thinking of majoring in PoliSci after high school and this was so helpful!

[@froyolovr]

did you end up doing this and do you like it?

[@sarahsimmons4134]

Becoming a Political Science major in the fall and began doubting myself but this video really reassured me and where I stand. Thank you so much!

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Best of luck to you!!

[@paulinee04]

I'm a Myanmar citizen, and deeply interested in politics and current situation in our nation. Thank you so much for the video! I was always thinking about majoring in Political Science since after 2021 and this is more than helpful to me.

[@sokkaoaf2699]

Although I’m going to the University of Iowa, you seem like a great professor that I’d learn so much from.

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Aww, shucks! Thanks! I'm sure your uni has great profs too. Please don't judge any of us too closely by this semester and this has been a wiiiiild ride!! Best of luck to you (and your exhausted profs)!

[@hhhaileyyy]

literally just seeing your face and your voice has comforted my dead in night fear of failing and flopping at what i want to do. i just applied today for poli sci and the anxiety decided to hit HARD.

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Best of luck to you! No need to fear! College should be a fun time of exploration and your undergrad major will not ruin/determine the course of your life. Let yourself have some fun!

[@El-RaShahzad]

Thanks Professor!! This is helpful for me, I want to major in PoliSci and minor in international affairs

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Best of luck!

[@gojo4939]

Currently in poli sci and I keep hearing negative things about it so I kept getting dishearten but I’m truly passionate about it

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

DO IT!! I'm obviously biased, but I highly recommend it!

[@JasmineFarooq]

Thank you,my son is getting a political science BA and we were sad ,as we heard no jobs for graduates however this explanation bright up our expectations

[@peytoncarney4805]

I’m a junior in high school now but I y on the first day of school last year my sophomore AP gov teacher said something along the lines of “Welcome to AP gov, or basically the college level course PolySci101”, is that accurate that the two courses are similar? I found the class super interesting and it’s always been in the back of my mind as something I could potentially major in. Also, when you major in political science, are there a lot of different classes that dive deeper into the specific aspects? Sorry I’m just not sure how all this college major stuff works! If you see this and have the time and could response would be sooo appreciated! I’ve just watched 3 of your videos and now I’m intrigued. Thanks!

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

AP Gov is typically the equivalent of an Intro to American Government course, so chances are you could transfer that credit over (assuming you pass the exam), and they you would be able to take higher level polisci classes

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

And yes, once you are in your major, you should have a core set of classes (maybe 12-20 credits of classes) and outside of that you'll have elective space. So, for example, I teach some core courses, like Intro to IR. But I also teach electives, like Politics of Genocide.

[@peytoncarney4805]

@@DrEmilyMaiden thank you !! This reply means so much

[@kaitlyns3414]

Thank you so much for making this video! You explained so much! I'm about to be a HS senior and want to major in PoliSci and this video answered many of my questions.

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Glad it could help! The answer is always: YES! Major in Political Science, haha! I'm biased, but it's still the correct answer.

[@somethingsomethingusername802]

I'm torn right now deciding between Majors - specifically Political Science or History. Though admittedly the book worm in me leans more toward History. I've volunteered in Museums and on smaller Local Campaigns and found both equally rewarding and *extremely* interesting; every day was seemingly a new challenge, a new job almost! I do have aspirations to run for Local Office (and maybe some distant day grace the floor of the Senate), but I'm already a leg behind my peers in terms of Education. I'm 22 and just now financially stable enough to turn my focus toward a higher education. (I know 22 isn't ancient but just doing the quick maths on estimated time of graduation is already making me a bit sad on the inside lol) So in your opinion which Major would "bear better fruit", so to speak, in the Political Sphere? (Law School is also a hopeful possibility after receiving an undergraduate degree)

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Honestly, some of my favorite students have been "non-traditional". The years between you finishing HS and starting college were probably filled with work. You will be more prepared now to get the most out of your program. You won't waste time, and you'll work hard! Obviously I'm going to say major in political science! My most honest answer is that I recommend doing some research on job placement for the two majors. You can make the most of any major as long as you love it! You could even consider any number of combinations of double majors or a major/minor so you get the best of both worlds! With two programs both in the arts and sciences, it would be easy to do as the electives will overlap. Good luck to you!

[@hollischapman]

Hi! I know this comment has some age.. but I wanted to ask how you came to your conclusion? Did you make it to Law School? I too, currently happen to be torn between these two choices myself. Poli-Si w master's and potentially Law School after undergrad? I like the idea of doing either. Also, I am also a non-traditional student. I pray your schooling has worked/ working in your favor, friend! Godspeed!

[@Outtaroad876]

I am so torn on the concentrations. You have American politics, comparative, international, advanced. I don’t know which one to choose

[@bahaaarja69]

I love your motivation ❤️❤️

[@sillysailorann9700]

Hi, I’m a sophomore political science student about to be a junior in the next fall 2024 semester. I’ve simply been striving for a political science degree but I’m not much of a speaker but I am interested in themes of behavior and politics and being engaged. However, I’m stuck. I don’t know what to do anymore and I don’t know what other major to switch to if I switch. Speaking is such a big part of the major that I’m wondering if it’s okay to be less of a good speaker.

[@Kokeebbb]

Thank you so much, you helped me make a decision Question, does it differ from where you study a political science major like if I study in Canada, will it differ from studying political science in somewhere else like Poland

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

The content can definitely differ country by country and department by department. For example, in a U.S. insitution there would be a host of faculty studying/teaching exclusively U.S. politics. I'd imagine it's the same in Canada for Canadian politics. Also, depending on the faculty in the department the course offerings might lean more toward political theory, IR, political economy, or area studies.

[@ryanwalz2416]

I am literally a music student majoring in political science

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Yeeesss!!! I will win you all over to the dark side! I have a new one now in my peace and conflict class. I think his friend recruited him that I snagged last semester. Soon my count will be two! Before long, I'll have my own jazz band!

[@vee9882]

De. Maiden, your thoughts on fully online Poli Sci programs..

[@starlightreview6170]

How do you feel about majoring in PoliSci and getting a minor in psychology?

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Great! I have so many friends that did this. There's a whole subfield of political science that's called political psychology. There's definitely a lot of overlap between the two disciplines and I think you'll enjoy it!

[@frankkalloniatis6570]

Yes

[@yasinabdirahman8327]

im realy learning political science ?

[@yasinabdirahman8327]

I wanna talk to you

[@briantrinh5893]

I will be a high school senior next year, and I'm thinking of majoring in Poli Sci, but I'm not sure about the job opportunities with a Bachelor's Degree. Many of the careers I found require a graduate degree. Is pursuing a higher degree worth it in the long run? I'm feeling conflicted about whether to major in Poli Sci or not...

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

This is a great topic idea! I'll put something together for you because it's so important that undergrads think about their options and make informed decisions when choosing a major. Until that video is ready, I'll do my duty and say: MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE!!

[@SeekTranscendence]

I'm Currently in Engineering and I am really intrigued by poli sci but some of my cons are that I don't really like speaking alone nor do I like some readings. Great video :)

[@secreto1989]

Where can one work after graduation?!

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

I'll plan to do a video soon on job opportunities with a political science degree, so stay tuned for that!

[@mymysvlogs7185]

What careers can you do with this major?

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

This is a GREAT question and I have a video planned for recording soon to discuss this in more detail.

[@alxox1012]

I was thinking of studying political science. However, does a sociology minor pair well?

[@lilfoward1832]

I'm a daca recipient. I can't run for public office, just graduated from high school, and am wondering if I should go to college to pursue this. Im am really passionate about being an activist and trying to make a change. Thoughts?

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Very few people who major in political science will EVER run for office. In fact, most people who actually become public officials have other professional backgrounds--business, education, law, medicine, etc. If you are wanting to be an activist, perhaps to study social movements, mobilization, protest and rebellion, etc, then political science is a great choice! Another good choice would be something like sociology. Best of luck!

[@sarahbutler9270]

Thank you for making this video! Ima. Senior in high school going to Pensacola college in fall 2021. I haven't decided my minor yet. I might minor in computers or buisness but im not decided yet.🤷🏽‍♀️ Any tips on things to minor in? Thanks again!!

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

When it comes to minors, the sky is the limit! Pick one, two, heck do three! It's really pretty easy to stack minors that interest you, especially if they come from the same school as your major. I've got a video on double-majoring that goes into al lthe details. You really can't go wrong with minors. If it interests you enough to take multiple classes in it, go for it. And there are always ways to relate it to political science!

[@gretawaller8385]

Thank you for the video! I’m interested in a PPE degree (politics, philosophy, and economics. Originally offered at Oxford, but it’s been adapted at many US schools). My understanding is that this is a minor, and you have to choose one discipline to major in? Is political science one of those options?

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Hmm, I'd have to know more about the specific program you're referencing. In most US universities, economics programs are typically housed in the business school, while polisci and phil are in the college of arts & sciences. Perhaps in smaller schools, maybe liberal arts schools, they combine PPE like they do in the Oxford model. In the US you would either double or triple major to accopmlish all three, or some combo of majors/minors. In my case, I was a polisci/phil double major with an Asian studies minor. You could make econ a minor.

[@gretawaller8385]

Thank you so much for the reply! Adding Econ as a minor seems like another great option. I’ll have to look into different programs as I continue my search

[@chakkde06]

I wanna pursue degree in political science. It always fascinated me since my childhood. But in Australia what is career opportunity. Thats where m bit worried.

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

I don't really know anything about what the current job market looks like in Australia. I imagine, like the US, theory positions are hurting, but other positions are avaialble. You'd also have quite a bit of overlap in the kinds of jobs avaialble in the US being mirrored in Australia. I'll link another video I did below.

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4jXo4Sfl7Nso7c

[@fareedahmad2276]

Is there any course of Politics Analyzing I love politics but can't analyze to my best, therefore, i would love to take a politics analysing course

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Are you asking about my university, or any university? Of course there would be coursework on analyzing real-time politics. You would get some of theat peppered into all your classes. I know any class I teach engages in real-time current events as well. Esepecially in my intro classes, I open practically every class with a relevant current event to the day's theme. Helps to make immediate connections. But I would imagine at a US institution you could also get a whole course on something like elections. My undergrad unversity had a professor who taught the American Presidency in the fall and during presidential election years it is pretty much just an election analysis class.

[@fareedahmad2276]

@@DrEmilyMaiden Thank you very much for your reply It doesn't matter which university would it be but the problem is that i don't live in USA i live in Afghanistan and can only take such classes online Looking forward to your response Regards

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

@@fareedahmad2276 I believe that even if you were to take online courses in political science, they would include aspects of current events and political analysis.

[@sanamjadhav4981]

Namaste from india.. i completed my graduation in pol sci major ... And completed my Masters in political science... I got A+ grade in MA .. am i eligible for phd in pol sci or MA international relations admission in NFU

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Yes, in the US system, you can apply for PhD programs even without a MA degree. Half of my cohort in my PhD program were straight out of their BA programs. Best of luck!

[@RITESHKUMAR-sr7hk]

Suggest some best books for political science major students, & some easy writing tips. (From - India🇮🇳)

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Oooo, I love this idea!! I'm going to reach out to my social media poli sci crowd to get some of their top recommendations too!

[@RITESHKUMAR-sr7hk]

@@DrEmilyMaiden Okay maam, I will wait till that moment, bcz without any books this discipline is a tough nut to crack.

[@habibahaldakak4670]

Is it possible to major in political science while perusing a STEM major?

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

Yes of course! The key to majoring in two disciplines that are in different schools is to juggle your schedule. You really need to plan ahead and make sure you'll be able to fit in all the classes as the electives are unlikely to match up well. But it's definitely possible. I would talk to you advisor about options and don't let them scare you out of it just because it might be difficult to juggle the requirements for both. Go for it!

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

I did a video about this recently that might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYi6m4VnicZ5ZpY

[@pcp4769]

What books books do you recommend to start studying political science on your own?

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

I recently made a video about that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKXXhmmGqLeFpM0

[@mymysvlogs7185]

Does this major y’all about major historic events ? history ? Republicans or democrats? Things in life that are going on right now like police brutality?

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

I think you are asking if Political Science as a discipline cares about major historical events and current events. The answer is an emphatic, loud YES!!!!! Of course we do, we can't explore our discipline without thinking about historical context and what's the point if we don't connect it to the present. In all my classes, I ground the work in theory/method/historical context and weave in as many current events as possible. If you are taking a political science class and they aren't trying to find ways to make the topic relevant to today, I'm sorry but they're doing it wrong. No matter the topic, it is critical that we are thinking about both past and present. And absolutely you will get to engage in politically charged topics.

[@_yeymiiiii]

@@DrEmilyMaiden hi i majored in polisc but i'm not familiar with history do i have to be interested in history and know it well i get confused a bit on word terms from history or like war i just never payed attention in history i never understood it tips on that ? I'm seeing what works for me recently but i pick pschology and i stilll have a passion for law but when it comes to revolution and stuff i just never understood history maybe because i need to start reading on it more ?

[@charleymartinez-rodriguez8358]

Wow did you call of what? 3:00 lol

[@nintensky7219]

I was forced to major in political science 😀

[@johnrainsman6650]

You know, I've been wondering for a while, since the 2016 election...why is it mandatory to be uncaring, mental, and irrational to become a politician, especially the president? Uhh...I *_think_* the country would be much better with reasonable, intelligent, and warmhearted leaders, especially to rule the _ENTIRE USA._ Why would the government want the opposite? Non-rhetorical questions by the way.

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

There is soooo much scholarship within American politics on the presidency, political psychology, voting behavior, etc. that would help you make sense of this reality. That's why I always think its so great when students want to double major in political science and psychology. There is most definitely a personality type in takes to be an effective leader. Unfortunately, most people mistake traits of a confident person with being a good leader and in so many cases a confident, domineering personality actually makes the worst kind of political leader. There's a TED Talk I LOVE about this focusing on the difference between confidence and competence: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJakdnl7jduWeMk

[@johnrainsman6650]

@@DrEmilyMaiden Sure, I'll check it out, but before I do that, could you clarify that comment about "mistake traits" and "good leader" to "worst kind of political leader"? I'm not following you here.

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

@@johnrainsman6650 I think if you watch the TED Talk it makes sense. I was just talking about the cognitive dissonance most people have when it comes to indentifying the traits of a good leader. Our minds often mistake traits of a confident person as a compentent person and it's not actually the case that confidence = competence. So quite often people vote for what you called the "worst kind of political leader" because we take this misidentification of confidence vs. competence to the extreme. So what the TED presenter is arguing is that we are very much part of the problem for voting for the wrong kinds of politicians in the first place because we don't know/care enough to discern competence vs. confidence. We elevate people who have no business being in positions of leadership that turn out to be terrible because they have the traits we *think* a leader ought to have but in reality they often make the worst kinds of leaders that commit crimes, create terrible policy, and otherwise run corporations/countries into the ground.

[@johnrainsman6650]

@@DrEmilyMaiden then why were they ever nominated in the first place? Why does the government, not voters, require unintelligent and obnoxious politicians. Why won’t the government have the good guys in for politics, to, duh, keep the country safe and well?

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

@@johnrainsman6650 The majority of government positions are elected positions. WE select our government representatives. It is then up to those elected representatives to fill appointed positions and staff their own offices. We as voters have very little say about who they choose to surround themselves with or who they appoint for positions of power. We can make our preferences known to our elected officials, but once in office elected officials tend to operate fairly autonomously. If you want to understand how bad politicians keep winning elections, you must look to their states/districts and attempt to make sense of their constituencies.

[@yashpurohit9715]

Mam, I am From India.. Today.. My Mom scolded me.. But i had no answer..pls pls tell what subject should I Choose For Both Understanding Human Behavior, international relations and Also Geopolitics

[@DrEmilyMaiden]

If you're interested in human behavior, you can't go wrong with a degree in the social sciences. Maybe political science is not for you. If you want to lean more toward the hard sciences, go for something like psychology. If you're interested in social sciences, political science and sociology are great. For more of a humanities focus, you could do something like cultural anthropology. Best of luck to you!

[@ronielingas5751]

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