Questions about majoring in Political Science

[u/virtualkoneko]

I’m currently a senior and is set about majoring in political science. I wanted to know what is it like at UO? I’ve heard things here and there about majoring in this specific major, which are either negative or positive lol, but I personally love the field.

In short: is political science really worth it specifically at UO? Is it a difficult major as well? Sorry for all the questions 🌝 but thank you!!

[u/cosmowhatnot]

As a Political Science major at UO currently, I think the program offers a vast amount of courses, many of which are different every term. In general, political science is a broad academic field where you can learn things from US government, international relations to Marxist and other political theory, etc. I find that the courses I have taken are not difficult, but include a sizeable amount of readings and essay-based exams and assignments. If you read the texts, participate in class, and connect with the professors you will more than likely do well. Lmk if you have any other questions :)

[u/virtualkoneko → u/cosmowhatnot]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful for me to better understand what the major is like at UO! I was also wondering if it’s okay, what are you planning to do after college with this degree? I’ve done my own research on what people usually do, but I would like to hear it from real person 😸

[u/cosmowhatnot → u/virtualkoneko]

No problem! I'm planning on attending law school after undergrad :)

[u/virtualkoneko → u/cosmowhatnot]

That’s so cool, I was also planning to go into that route as well maybe! Thank you again for answering my questions! :D

[u/Classic_Lemon_8619 → u/cosmowhatnot]

Do you think the poli-sci education leans one way or another, and if it does what way does it lean?

[u/cosmowhatnot → u/Classic_Lemon_8619]

Again, this depends on the topics of interest in the class. However, I took US and Oregon gov and politics courses and from what I recall, they were pretty neutral, but slightly left leaning tbf. Others might have a different perspective on this question than me.

[u/Classic_Lemon_8619 → u/cosmowhatnot]

okay, ty 🙏

[u/Pure-Argument7354 → u/Classic_Lemon_8619]

UO is very left leaning.

[u/Nervous_Garden_7609]

My daughter is a senior. Major is Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies. She's in the Honors College.

She loves it. I agree with the other student. It's not hard if you go to class & participate. There is lots of reading and writing involved.

She's had internships through the school that she has really enjoyed. She's built an incredible resume. She's decided to get her Master's in Non-profit Management (I think that's it) and then hopes to get her law degree.

Sorry to chime in a mom, not a student. I mostly wanted you to know there are some great clubs and programs at UO. Internships and volunteering opportunities, too.

If you decide to go, I'd advise you to pay the housing deposit asap. Also but the sports pass when it's time. Both those things will be helpful.

[u/Senior-Media1863]

My brother's wife majored in political science. She couldn't find a job so she went to law school. It's a crappy major. If you intend to get a job right after college, you have to go to law school, med school or business school. It's good preparation for law school

[u/Pure-Argument7354]

If you want to go to law school it's an easy major and not that difficult to get a high gpa for grad school admissions. If you plan to get a 4 year and work, or want to take that degree to other states, I'd highly caution you. While I'm a gss/ law student, many classes I've taken were in the ps department and made friends with several. 2 work at Starbucks post grad with a ps degree after very tough job prospects. 1 is going back to grad school. Uo is a very regional school. Just my 2 cents. Really depends on what you plan to do with it.