Selecting a College Major for Government Jobs

Hi folks, I've been mulling over governmental service for a long time but I could use some guidance on picking a suitable college major. Do government jobs prefer specific fields of study? I want to make a difference, but I'm not sure how to aim my academics. Any advice?

Graduating with a specific major isn't necessarily a surefire way into government jobs. Government agencies and departments employ individuals with a wide range of majors because the scope of government jobs varies significantly. You'll find people from all kinds of academic backgrounds working in the public sector, from the arts and humanities to the social and natural sciences. It's really up to your personal interest and the path you see yourself taking in the public sector.

During your studies, you may want to consider a few main areas that could make a candidate more desirable to government employers. Firstly, understanding of policy can be beneficial, as many government jobs involve creating, implementing, and analyzing policies. A degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or Public Administration can serve you well, providing an educational background on government operations and how decisions are made.

Secondly, if you're interested in international work (like the Department of State), an International Relations or Global Studies degree could be beneficial. It looks at how governments interact with each other, and often includes studying foreign languages and studying abroad, both of which could be helpful to your career.

Next, if the idea of crunching numbers for the public good appeals to you, consider a degree in Economics or Statistics. Many agencies require economic modeling or data analysis skills.

If you're drawn towards legal aspects of government, then degrees in Criminal Justice, Pre-Law, or Sociology might be helpful if considering work in the Department of Justice or local law enforcement.

A BS in Environmental Science or a related field could lead to a position with the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy.

Moreover, government health organizations, such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control, often have positions suitable for those with degrees in the life sciences, such as Biology or Public Health.

In a nutshell, there is no one "best" major for government jobs. It may be more helpful to assess which area of government you'd like to work in, and choose a major related to that field. Remember, soft skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving and teamwork are often just as important as your major to potential government employers. So make sure to develop those during your time in college as well through extracurricular activities and internships.