5 answers
RACH
Student
Kathmandu, Central Development Region, Nepal
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I want to study law in the future and am exploring possible majors for my bachelors degree. Is a psychology and political science double major too difficult to complete in 4 years?
#psychology #college-major #major #doublemajor
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5 answers
Nikki H.
Student
6
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Nikki’s Answer
Hi Rach!
I think it is completely possible for you to complete a double-major in political science and psychology in four years. A lot of your basic requirements and general electives will likely overlap, such as mathematics and science courses, especially if you choose to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology rather than a Bachelor of Science, which will be more suited to the social science requirements of a Political Science degree.
In addition, these two fields will be very helpful to your future law career, as they both involve developing critical thinking and reading skills. There's also a whole field of Political Psychology that works to examine political decisions and behavior from a psychological perspective, so I'd argue you'd also have a more nuanced look into both of your degrees through this combination.
I say go for a double-major, but be sure to schedule an appointment with your academic advisors early on in your first year to make a clear plan of how to manage your coursework over four years of college, and to make sure you'll be meeting all of the requirements of each major.
Schedule an appointment with your academic advisors to go over a plan for double-majoring
I think it is completely possible for you to complete a double-major in political science and psychology in four years. A lot of your basic requirements and general electives will likely overlap, such as mathematics and science courses, especially if you choose to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology rather than a Bachelor of Science, which will be more suited to the social science requirements of a Political Science degree.
In addition, these two fields will be very helpful to your future law career, as they both involve developing critical thinking and reading skills. There's also a whole field of Political Psychology that works to examine political decisions and behavior from a psychological perspective, so I'd argue you'd also have a more nuanced look into both of your degrees through this combination.
I say go for a double-major, but be sure to schedule an appointment with your academic advisors early on in your first year to make a clear plan of how to manage your coursework over four years of college, and to make sure you'll be meeting all of the requirements of each major.
Nikki recommends the following next steps:
Sara Hall
Data Engineer
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Rach A anything is possible if that's what you want! I don't think those majors would be difficult to complete in four years. Also you may be surprised as to how each major can help you later in your law degree. I can certainly see how both degrees can relate to law. I say go for it!
Paul Goetzinger MPA College Advisor
Academic/College Advising Assistance
39
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I agree with the other answers to your question. You may have to attend summer sessions to pick up extra credits in order to fit within the four year time frame you have established.
David Loi
Casino Marketing Executive Host
170
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
David’s Answer
Definitely not difficult to complete as long as you either plan out the classes you need, or do summer classes throughout the 4 years or take overload classes for regular class semester. As I know most classes for both psychology and political science are all class related which that is a double knock out for you to get the degree. But do double check the min. requirement credited needed in order to get double major from the school you are completing the degree from because they may want you to take extra coursework or even field study for psychology.
As for studying in Law or going to Law school, take your time and also look for the requirements you need to complete or take classes for in order to apply for Law school as well take the LSAT beforehand too.
As for studying in Law or going to Law school, take your time and also look for the requirements you need to complete or take classes for in order to apply for Law school as well take the LSAT beforehand too.
alright thank u
RACH
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Rach,
Hi! Sure, it's possible to get a double major in Psych and PolySci in 4 years. But, I would not recommend it. I feel those two fields are too closely related, to where the extra major does very little, if anything, to improve your marketability.
Please consider what area of law you might be interested in, and, how you can use your undergrad degree to acquire skills that would be useful in that field. For example: Contract law, Mergers and Acquisitions, etc. you should consider a double major, or, even a minor, in Business. You want to get good at understanding how businesses operate, understand a little about finance and accounting.
Criminal Law: Hypothetical: Your client was involved in a traffic accident, while driving intoxicated. The other person died. They are trying to really hang it all on your client. You need to argue that, even though he was intoxicated, the accident, and death, were not his fault. Science will enter into this: road surface, wet/dry? , lighting, tire tread, reaction time, etc.
White collar crime? Embezzlement? Lots of cases revolve around technology.
Insurance fraud? A lot of medical information.
So, basically, as a Sociology major myself, I am strongly encouraging you to get a substantive background, beyond the historical and theoretical material often presented in liberal arts programs!
Hope this helps!
Kim
Hi! Sure, it's possible to get a double major in Psych and PolySci in 4 years. But, I would not recommend it. I feel those two fields are too closely related, to where the extra major does very little, if anything, to improve your marketability.
Please consider what area of law you might be interested in, and, how you can use your undergrad degree to acquire skills that would be useful in that field. For example: Contract law, Mergers and Acquisitions, etc. you should consider a double major, or, even a minor, in Business. You want to get good at understanding how businesses operate, understand a little about finance and accounting.
Criminal Law: Hypothetical: Your client was involved in a traffic accident, while driving intoxicated. The other person died. They are trying to really hang it all on your client. You need to argue that, even though he was intoxicated, the accident, and death, were not his fault. Science will enter into this: road surface, wet/dry? , lighting, tire tread, reaction time, etc.
White collar crime? Embezzlement? Lots of cases revolve around technology.
Insurance fraud? A lot of medical information.
So, basically, as a Sociology major myself, I am strongly encouraging you to get a substantive background, beyond the historical and theoretical material often presented in liberal arts programs!
Hope this helps!
Kim