Criminal Justice vs Political Science major: which should I pick?

I'm super interested in law and politics, but I'm torn between majoring in criminal justice or political science. Has anyone faced a similar choice? What factors should I think about when deciding between the two? How different are the career prospects for each major?

I can understand why you might be torn between the two majors, as they both align with your interests in law and politics. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

1. Curriculum: While there's some overlap in subject matter between the two majors, they differ in their overall focus. Criminal justice primarily deals with law enforcement, the legal system, and criminology. You will study the workings of the criminal justice system, including topics like policing, court procedures, and corrections. On the other hand, political science focuses on understanding and analyzing political systems, ideologies, and international relations on a broader scale. You'll explore political theory and learn about the inner workings of governments. Consider which particular topics appeal more to your interests and passions.

2. Career prospects: It's essential to think about the kinds of jobs you envision yourself pursuing after graduation. With a criminal justice degree, you may work in law enforcement (police, corrections officer, etc.), criminal law (paralegal, legal assistant, etc.), or other justice-related fields (probation officer, crime analyst, etc.). Political science offers a more diverse range of career paths, such as roles in government, policy analysis, non-profits, journalism, or even international relations. Either major could eventually take you to law school or another kind of post-graduate education, but political science may be a slightly better regarded major by graduate schools, as your education in this major is more focused on ideas, whereas criminal justice is a slightly more practically oriented major.

3. Flexibility: If you're uncertain about your exact career path, political science may offer you more flexibility due to its broader scope, which touches on various aspects of politics, government, and global affairs. As a political science major, you'll get a more comprehensive understanding of the field and can adapt your skillset to different industries.

Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your personal preferences with regards to the specific subjects covered by each major, as well as your career aspirations. It might also be helpful to meet with academic advisors or faculty from both departments to get a better understanding of their programs and how they could fit with your goals. Good luck in your decision-making process!