Political Science vs Economics: Deciding on a Major

Hey everyone, I'm having a tough time deciding between a major in political science and one in economics. Can any of you give me an overview of the key differences, as well as career prospects and research/internship opportunities for both paths? I appreciate any help!

Hi there! It's great you're exploring your options. Both political science and economics are fascinating fields, and I'll do my best to provide an overview of each major, their differences, career prospects, and research/internship opportunities.

Political Science:

This major primarily focuses on understanding political systems, institutions, ideas, and behaviors. It branches into subfields like comparative politics, political theory, public policy, and international relations.

Research opportunities will likely involve analyzing legislation, conducting surveys, evaluating political events, or examining the role of politics in various organizations. Internships related to political science might include working in government, non-profit organizations, think tanks, political campaigns, or international organizations.

Economics:

Economics tackles the study of how resources are allocated and distributed within societies. It analyzes supply and demand, markets, monetary and fiscal policies, and more. The field can be divided into microeconomics (the study of individual, household, firm, and market behavior) and macroeconomics (the study of broader economic indicators, such as GDP, inflation, and employment).

Economics research may involve analyzing economic data, modeling economic systems, or evaluating policy outcomes. Internship opportunities for economics majors are often found in the financial sector, government, academia, and consulting firms.

Key Differences:

- Political science focuses on the study of political systems and processes, while economics is centered on understanding resource allocation and distribution.

- Political science covers themes like power structures, decision-making, and international relations, while economics delves into market mechanisms, fiscal and monetary policies, and economic indicators.

- Research and internship opportunities in political science are more oriented towards political events and institutions, while economics positions are more likely to entail economic data analysis and policy evaluation.

Career Prospects:

Political science grads may end up working in fields like public service, diplomacy, policy analysis, government affairs, non-profit management, journalism, academia, and research. Economics grads can find job opportunities in finance, banking, government, consulting, academia, data analysis, and think tanks. Some graduates of both fields may choose to pursue higher education (like a master's or Ph.D.) to specialize further in their area of interest.

Overall, the two fields complement each other well, and it's not uncommon for students to double major or choose one as a minor. Both majors provide wide-ranging career opportunities and equip students with valuable analytical and critical thinking skills that are in high demand across various industries. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal interests, skills, and career goals. Good luck with your choice!