DakotaJ

I am having a hard time deciding between the two schools. I plan to major in political science, so a strong political science department is imperative. Also, what school do you think is more liberal and what are the major differences between the schools?

Thanks

asdad

Have you visited both? I have no info on CC, so I cannot compare the two.

More Cowbell

I don't know anything about either school's political science program but the biggest difference between Cornell and almost any other school (offhand I can only think of Colorado College that does the same thing) is it's OCAAT (one course at a time) program. I'd just make sure that you're ready for that kind of a program.

carolyn

My daughter has a friend at Beloit who went back and forth between Beloit and Cornell College. Obviously, she ended up at Beloit. She felt it was much more geographically diverse and had a more quirky and creative feel. I would say that is a fair assessment. I don't know anything about Cornell's political science program, but Beloit's is pretty good. It is particularly strong in international relations. My daughter took at course with Beth Dougherty, a faculty member in the department, and was impressed with her knowledge and the wide range of experiences she'd had (working on UN tribunal courts for example.) One nice thing about Beloit is that the General Ed requirements are pretty easy going - two courses in arts/humanities, math/science, and the social sciences and you're done. However, students only take 4 courses a semester (they meet for more hours than at most colleges too), so if taking a huge number of courses is important to you, you'll probably end up taking more with Cornell's one course a month approach.

Hope that helps. My daughter has had some amazing opportunities and experiences at Beloit. Although I'm obviously biased, it is a special place but not right for everyone.

lollypop39

I don't know much about Cornell College, but I am a student at Beloit College. I am also an International Relations major. I didn’t come here thinking I was going to be one, but Beloit College gave me the opportunity to explore what I want. I got interested in IR because of my FYI class in Post-Colonial Studies and taking a class with Beth Dougherty sealed the deal. I love my major and I’m going abroad next semester to Istanbul, Turkey. We don’t have a core curriculum so requirements for graduations can be tailored around your level of expertise and even your major. Carolyn stated above the requirements. A lot of Beloit students go onto work in the government or NGO’s. That’s kinda what I want to do. Anyway, I hope that helps.

carolyn

Lollypop, A friend of my daughter's at Beloit studied in Turkey last year. He had a very interesting experience. You may have already connected with him, but if you haven't and want his name, PM me and I'll pass it along to you. Enjoy your study abroad!