Which College Major to Choose for a Career in Politics?

I am very passionate about politics and consider stepping into the political arena in the future. Could someone guide me on the ideal college major for a career in politics? Furthermore, what kind of courses should I anticipate?

Choosing a major is an important step in preparing for your future career. If you're considering a path in politics, there are many majors that can help provide you the foundation you'll need.

One common choice is Political Science which focuses on studying political systems, public policies, and political behavior, and can provide you with a deep understanding of how governments and politics work. Courses may include comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration.

Alternatively, you might consider majoring in Public Policy or Public Administration. These majors would offer you courses that delve into policy analysis, program evaluation, resource allocation and decisions, organization and management, ethics, and public law. These majors often involve more applied or practical study compared to Political Science.

International Relations or International Studies can be another good choice especially if you're interested in global issues or international politics. You'll likely study global politics, diplomacy, international conflicts, human rights, and trade and economic relations.

Also, Law is a pathway that many politicians have taken. Although you can't major in Law at the undergraduate level, you can consider majors that lay a good groundwork for law school, such as Philosophy, History, or English.

Lastly, majors in Economics or Business can also be beneficial as understanding economic systems and principles can be important in forming economic policies.

Each of these options generally includes a mix of humanities and social science courses, often requiring critical thinking, analytical abilities, and communication skills. You'd typically get to interact with theories, case studies, historical documents, statistical data, and more.

Remember that success in politics rests largely on your understanding of the issues at hand, your ability to communicate effectively, and your capacity to lead. Your choice of major can help you develop these tools, but it's also crucial to gain practical experience through internships, volunteering in political campaigns, joining relevant clubs, and networking with professionals in the field.

While there are majors that most politicians traditionally hold, there's no one "ideal" path into politics - what's important is choosing something that aligns with your specific interests in politics. Good luck!