8 Things Political Science Majors Hear From Non-Political Science Majors
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

8 Things Political Science Majors Hear From Non-Political Science Majors

The conversation casually starts with, "Oh what are you majoring in?"

2555
8 Things Political Science Majors Hear From Non-Political Science Majors
Quick Meme

Political Science or "poli-sci" is one of the most prevalent majors in colleges and universities. If you're a political science major like me, you tend to hear a lot of stuff regrading political science.

1. "Oh so you want to be a lawyer."

Although some of us may head off to law school, most of us won't and have no intention of becoming a lawyer.

2. "So, if not a lawyer, then politician right? We have too many of those."

Again, some of us might wish to, but how can we have too many politicians when most of them are 70-year-old men who have no new ideas nor tolerance to new ideas? Maybe what our country needs is younger, more tolerant politicians who can represent people under 40. Or if you'd prefer hard-to-pay student loans while elders (the ones who show up to vote, unlike my generation) to get all the benefits from the taxes, then sure, we don't need any more politicians.


3. "Do you just study political parties?"

Most of the time we don't study political parties as much as you'd think. We look at political parties' platforms and how successful or unsuccessful they might be in situations. We look at the world and other countries' governments but we are more concerned with moves different government institutions can make, including ours, and the backlash from it. We study how you think of politics and how you interact politically.


4. "So why's it called political science? Where's the science?"

We are taught to seek out answers to questions very scientifically. We can't be biased, and must report on what we find, even if it's not what we wanted to find. We must take classes in statistics and analyze data and research. Science is the pursuit of knowledge, and we pursue it based of evidence.

5."What even do you do?"

What do you think we do? Sit around and argue all day? We do research on big questions that are testable. We think deeply about why things that the governmental institutions do, will work or will not work. We consider the alternatives and analyze political ideologies and structure.

6. "What jobs will you even get?"

Political science majors are extremely flexible when it comes to career choices. We can get careers in federal, state and local governments. Or maybe law, business, international organizations, nonprofit associations and organizations. We can also get into campaign management, polling, electoral politics and so much more.


7. "So who should I vote for and who will win this election?"

We aren't psychics, so we don't know who will win. But ask us, and we can give you facts and our opinion based on current party in office, approval ratings and such that can predict which candidate will win. But we don't know who you should vote for, we have our opinions and we'd like you to vote for who we want. But we don't know which candidate will actually carry out what they say and be successful.

8. "Do you guys just argue all day?"

We are opinionated and ask any one of us and we will tell you how the country should run, but no, we don't sit and argue all day. However, if we argue with you, we will probably be right (or at least think we're right) due to studying politics.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

88194
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

54952
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments