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Anthro or PolSci Should I switch Majors??
Hi! I am about to be a third year at UCLA and am trying to finalize what major I want. Currently I am a double-major with International Development studies and Anthropology, but I am considering switching to a double-major with International Development studies and Political Science with a minor in Anthropology. I would love any advice on which to pick? I am not sure what I want to do as a job, but I would like to either go into research or work for the state department (maybe not now with the way things are looking but I'm not sure). I am ahving a very hard time deciding what to do as I like both but don't love either. Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you so much!
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Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
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Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Charlie,
This is a classic case of being interested in what you're studying, but not quite committed to either path. The good news is, if your long-term objectives include conducting research or even working for the State Department, both political science and anthropology may strengthen your interest in international development studies.
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
- Gaining a deeper understanding of cultures, communities, and human behavior through anthropology equips you with abilities that are highly valued in field-based work, international research, and non-governmental organization work. It's particularly powerful if you see yourself working in cultural analysis, community engagement, or qualitative research.
- If you want to work in government, diplomacy, or on international policy concerns, political science is a great choice because it focuses more on policy, governance, and political systems. Although the cultural insights from anthropology are likewise very beneficial in diplomacy, it is often seen as having a more "direct" connection to work at the State Department.
Since you're not completely thrilled with either major, you may have to choose between:
- Skill alignment: Which major will help you develop the abilities you're excited to use? (For instance, policy writing and data analysis against cultural analysis and ethnographic research.)
- Career positioning: Anthropology may help you stand out as someone with a more profound understanding of culture, while Political Science may provide you with an easier pathway into the political and governmental sectors.
- Work style: PolSci may be a better fit for you if you do best in analytical, debate-focused, and policy-heavy settings. Anthro might be a better fit if you like people-focused work, intense research, and storytelling.
One compromise might be something you're already thinking about: minoring in Anthropology to maintain your cultural perspective while majoring in Political Science for its practical professional ties. In your future job applications, that combination might help you stand out and gain credibility.
Since you're at UCLA, you could also want to speak with lecturers or career counselors in both fields; they can help you figure out which alumni's paths most closely represent the future you're looking for.
Best wishes!
This is a classic case of being interested in what you're studying, but not quite committed to either path. The good news is, if your long-term objectives include conducting research or even working for the State Department, both political science and anthropology may strengthen your interest in international development studies.
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
- Gaining a deeper understanding of cultures, communities, and human behavior through anthropology equips you with abilities that are highly valued in field-based work, international research, and non-governmental organization work. It's particularly powerful if you see yourself working in cultural analysis, community engagement, or qualitative research.
- If you want to work in government, diplomacy, or on international policy concerns, political science is a great choice because it focuses more on policy, governance, and political systems. Although the cultural insights from anthropology are likewise very beneficial in diplomacy, it is often seen as having a more "direct" connection to work at the State Department.
Since you're not completely thrilled with either major, you may have to choose between:
- Skill alignment: Which major will help you develop the abilities you're excited to use? (For instance, policy writing and data analysis against cultural analysis and ethnographic research.)
- Career positioning: Anthropology may help you stand out as someone with a more profound understanding of culture, while Political Science may provide you with an easier pathway into the political and governmental sectors.
- Work style: PolSci may be a better fit for you if you do best in analytical, debate-focused, and policy-heavy settings. Anthro might be a better fit if you like people-focused work, intense research, and storytelling.
One compromise might be something you're already thinking about: minoring in Anthropology to maintain your cultural perspective while majoring in Political Science for its practical professional ties. In your future job applications, that combination might help you stand out and gain credibility.
Since you're at UCLA, you could also want to speak with lecturers or career counselors in both fields; they can help you figure out which alumni's paths most closely represent the future you're looking for.
Best wishes!
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hi Charlie,
If you're aiming for a career in research or with the State Department, combining International Development Studies with Political Science might be a better fit. This combination gives you a solid foundation in policy, governance, and international relations. Adding a minor in Anthropology allows you to explore different cultures, offering a well-rounded perspective. Political Science often leads to recognized careers in government and policy, which could help you find job opportunities faster. On the other hand, if you prefer qualitative research and cultural studies, majoring in Anthropology might be more suitable. Consider which skills and activities you enjoy most every day.
If you're aiming for a career in research or with the State Department, combining International Development Studies with Political Science might be a better fit. This combination gives you a solid foundation in policy, governance, and international relations. Adding a minor in Anthropology allows you to explore different cultures, offering a well-rounded perspective. Political Science often leads to recognized careers in government and policy, which could help you find job opportunities faster. On the other hand, if you prefer qualitative research and cultural studies, majoring in Anthropology might be more suitable. Consider which skills and activities you enjoy most every day.
Updated
Aulani’s Answer
Hello Charlie,
Thank you for sharing your question and concern. As you are a double major in International Development and Anthropology, you are given access to a wide range of career opportunities and paths! While you are considering switching majors I am happy to give you some advice to help guide and support your decision making.
Evaluate and Assess your Goals
Before making an informed decision carefully consider the potential benefits as well as the challenges and disadvantages of switching majors. This is a crucial first step especially as you are uncertain of the career path you will take. It is best that you are aligning your major with what you wish to achieve. This includes your personal, professional, and career goals. In this process, if you decide that you will change your major you will have to prepare yourself for the necessary process and procedures. Such processes and procedures will require you to adjust and quickly adapt to your new educational plan.
Thoroughly Research and Reflect on Reasoning
Ask yourself questions like why am I considering this sudden change? Am I dissatisfied with my current major? Is the new major I am considering better suitable for my career goals? And how will changing majors potentially delay my educational goals? For instance, obtaining your degree and graduation as your university experience may be extended. In addition, thorough planning and research will help you in making a well-informed decision. You can research to familiarize yourself with the requirements and curriculum of your major and utilize specific tools like Degree Audit, an essential tool in tracking your academic progress and evaluating a new major. You can use the What-If tool to explore changes in the major you are considering. I find that this tool may be most useful regarding your current situation.
Overall, switching from a double major in International Development and Anthropology to International Development and Political Science with a minor in Anthropology sounds like a durable and flexible change. The combination of Political Science and your already gained knowledge and skills of an Anthropologist can contribute greatly to a career in Research and the State Department. You can also continue focusing your major in Anthropology as it is still relevant to both careers. However, considering you don’t really find either major appealing, I highly recommend that you take time to reflect, evaluate, and assess your interests and skills to help you decide your major and future career path. All that I have listed above may be of help in narrowing your options.
I want you to know that this time of uncertainty you are facing is a common experience for many students. You will be able to navigate through this time of uncertainty and in result it will bring more opportunities for growth and self-discovery. I hope you found my advice helpful, I wish you success!
Thank you for sharing your question and concern. As you are a double major in International Development and Anthropology, you are given access to a wide range of career opportunities and paths! While you are considering switching majors I am happy to give you some advice to help guide and support your decision making.
Evaluate and Assess your Goals
Before making an informed decision carefully consider the potential benefits as well as the challenges and disadvantages of switching majors. This is a crucial first step especially as you are uncertain of the career path you will take. It is best that you are aligning your major with what you wish to achieve. This includes your personal, professional, and career goals. In this process, if you decide that you will change your major you will have to prepare yourself for the necessary process and procedures. Such processes and procedures will require you to adjust and quickly adapt to your new educational plan.
Thoroughly Research and Reflect on Reasoning
Ask yourself questions like why am I considering this sudden change? Am I dissatisfied with my current major? Is the new major I am considering better suitable for my career goals? And how will changing majors potentially delay my educational goals? For instance, obtaining your degree and graduation as your university experience may be extended. In addition, thorough planning and research will help you in making a well-informed decision. You can research to familiarize yourself with the requirements and curriculum of your major and utilize specific tools like Degree Audit, an essential tool in tracking your academic progress and evaluating a new major. You can use the What-If tool to explore changes in the major you are considering. I find that this tool may be most useful regarding your current situation.
Overall, switching from a double major in International Development and Anthropology to International Development and Political Science with a minor in Anthropology sounds like a durable and flexible change. The combination of Political Science and your already gained knowledge and skills of an Anthropologist can contribute greatly to a career in Research and the State Department. You can also continue focusing your major in Anthropology as it is still relevant to both careers. However, considering you don’t really find either major appealing, I highly recommend that you take time to reflect, evaluate, and assess your interests and skills to help you decide your major and future career path. All that I have listed above may be of help in narrowing your options.
I want you to know that this time of uncertainty you are facing is a common experience for many students. You will be able to navigate through this time of uncertainty and in result it will bring more opportunities for growth and self-discovery. I hope you found my advice helpful, I wish you success!