Political Science vs. Public Policy: Major Differences?

I'm a high school junior trying to decide on my major for college applications. I'm really interested in politics and policy-making, so I've narrowed it down to either Political Science or Public Policy. Can anyone explain the key differences between these two majors and what types of careers I can pursue with each? Thanks in advance!

Both Political Science and Public Policy majors are excellent choices for students with a passion for politics and policy-making. I'll explain the key differences between these two majors, their coursework, and the career opportunities associated with each to help you with your decision.

Political Science focuses on understanding the theory and practice of politics, political systems, and political behavior. In this major, you'll study the different forms of government, political ideologies, political institutions, and political processes at the local, national, and international levels. The coursework often includes subjects like comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and American politics.

On the other hand, Public Policy emphasizes analyzing, designing, and implementing public policies and programs. Students in this major learn how to address societal problems and evaluate the effectiveness of public policies. The coursework often covers topics like economics, policy analysis, statistics, program evaluation, and policy implementation.

While there is some overlap between the two majors, Political Science is more theoretical and focused on the study of political systems, while Public Policy is more practical, concerned with solving real-world problems through policy analysis and implementation.

Careers for Political Science graduates can include working in government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), political campaigns, think tanks, or academia. Common job titles include political consultant, legislative assistant, public relations specialist, and researcher. Public Policy graduates also have a wide range of career opportunities, such as working in government agencies, NGOs, consulting firms, or research organizations. They often hold positions like policy analyst, program manager, consultant, and researcher.

In summary, if you're more interested in the theoretical aspects of politics and political systems, Political Science might be a better fit for you. However, if you're passionate about analyzing and implementing public policies to address real-world problems, Public Policy might be the more suitable choice. Keep in mind that both majors provide a solid foundation for careers in politics, policy-making, and public administration, so you'll have ample opportunities to pursue your interests, regardless of which major you choose.