Question:
I'm majoring in Poli Sci, and I have the option of getting either a BS or a BA. In order to get a BS, all I need to take is a 100-level math course. In order to get a BA, I'm required to have two full semesters of Spanish. Now, I already have credit for one and a half semesters, so all I need is a 200-level intermediate course. I'm having to decide whether I want a BS or a BA, and I'm not sure which to choose. Anybody have any input they'd like to give?
Answer:
I got a BS (Most would say that was highly appropriate) in poli sci, but had to take languages anyhow since my area of emphasis was international relations. In the long run, it really won't matter much which route you take. The only thing to keep in mind is that if you want to pursue graduate studies, almost all graduate programs have requirements such as statistics or foreign language knowledge. Don't forget to weigh those factors as well.
Answer:
math doesn't have as much to do with political science as a foreign language does. plus, math is dumb. I would opt for the spanish, because like Steph said, if you want to get your Masters or PhD in something polsci related, you're going to need the foreign language. I would go with the BA personally.
however, some schools can be more favorable towards a BS, rather than a BA. somehow people think that science requires more work than the arts. that is not the case, but anyways. if you are planning to transfer to a school that gives preference to a BS, what I would do is take the math course, but also finish up spanish. it sounds like you're so close to finishing, and it will prove useful to you whether or not you use it to get your BA.
Answer:
Thank you very much for your advice, I really appreciate it I think I am going to go ahead and take both.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Benny Hicks Thank you very much for your advice, I really appreciate it I think I am going to go ahead and take both. That's funny, because I was going to say "get both the BS and BA."
I honestly don't know how a BS or a BA would effect your career/grad school paths in poli sci, but I do know that math and foreign languages are nice skills to have no matter what manner of degree you have.