ichthuscypher

UCLAri:

I'm an incoming freshman and still debating what major to pursue, and I would just like to ask in terms of career prospects in the government or intelligence agencies, what major is preferred? Have you seen certain trends of employment from certain majors? Which majors would adequately prepare me for jobs in intelligence? Would simply having bachelor's degrees in these majors help me get those jobs, or do most people employed have grad degrees?

I'm debating whether I should go with a Econ/Biz-Econ/Poli-Sci major or MIMG/MCDB (bio) major. I know the two fields seem quite dissimilar but I am really split between them.

ANY input would be highly appreciated (as you can probably tell, I'm just an incoming freshman and would like to learn more about career prospects from different majors. I'm also not planning to attend grad school). Thanks so much in advance!

aurora borealis

Dear UCLAri,

Does the $$$ of study abroad (EAP) differ from tuition significantly? I'm considering it to augment my major and also for the general cultural experience. Of course, I'm concerned about the $$$ issue...

Thanks.

UCLAri

The cost of tuition for studying abroad is, for the most part, the same as studying at UCLA. What differs is the cost of living.

In Latin America, this means you save.
In Japan, this means you spend more.

j_shirley08

Does UCLA offer an IR major or is it just political science?

There's so much I want to do at UCLA. IS it possible to double major in IR/Polisci and the ECON/International Studies major and also learn two languages(French/Arabic), study abroad (Paris(semester), Cairo(semester)), and be involved in student government, community service, and a club sport? I know that sounds like a lot but I can't narrow it down yet.

UCLAri

UCLA does not have an IR major. You just choose the IR sub-speciality when you choose a concentration in the poli sci dept.

I...don't think your double major double minor plan is possible. For one, you're going to run out of units really quickly. However, two study abroad sessions may be possible, depending on the programs that EAP offers.

As far as the clubs go, you may be able to do it, but remember that you still need time to eat and sleep! College isn't quite like high school. Take it easy your first quarter and then see how you feel. If you feel swamped, then you definitely shouldn't. Let your first year be a chance to build up toward your "supreme plan." By the end of the year, you'll know what you can handle.

dawritingmachine

are there any programs where one can study two subjects at once, like another subject besides the country's principal language? for ex, i hear of ecology and spanish in costa rica, but idk about UCLA.

UCLAri

Please don't troll in this thread.

juventus10

so how's the global studies program at UCLA?

sofakingwangsta

hey UCLAri,
I'm now a DESMA major, and want to study abroad. All the people I know who has studied abroad have had amazing experiences, and said it's something everyone should do. However, the counselor told me that not many other universities have this major, and all the DESMA students who have studied abroad took GE courses because the courses offered does not satisfy DESMA major course requirements. Do you think it's worth studying abroad over the summer for just GE classes, as opposed to courses that satisfy your major? Which category does most of the GE classes offered abroad fall in? (arts & humanities, society & culture, scientific inquiry)

I also wanted to ask what sort of knowledge you'll need to teach English in an East Asian country, specifically Taiwan. Would you need to minor in Chinese, or have teaching credentials or anything? thanks.

UCLAri

sofakingwangsta,

You usually need very few credentials to teach English. A BA alone will usually suffice. As far as studying abroad goes, I would find out whatever way you can to actually fit it in, even if it's only for the summer.

juventus10,

It's quite good.

fastMEd

Hmm, say would it be possible for anyone to study abroad while completing courses in their major because I am not too sure if I can take business economics major courses in other countries, specifically China and Japan. Any chance I could take them in English? Haha, I would be slaughtered if I had to take it with natives.

UCLAri

fastMEd,

Assuming you have some econ classes somewhere in there, I'm sure you can manage. I saw plenty of econ classes offered in Japan. And as long as you're in Japan, I know for certain that you can take classes in English.

fastMEd

Excellent. Thanks. Toudai here I come!

UCLAri

I wouldn't be so fast to jump on the Todai train. For one, their exchange programs aren't the best available. Look more at ICU, Sophia, and Tsukuba.

fastMEd

Oh guess you never read Love Hina then, but thanks for the info. I look into those colleges.