Ask UCLAri: Political Science, International Relations, East Asian Studies, & EAP - Page 5

UCLAri · 03-09-2007, 05:08 PM

I did a senior thesis, but that's about it. Original research is a long, arduous, self-motivated process. Only go into it if you have something you're particularly interested in.

mcrk · 03-15-2007, 07:34 AM

I want to major in public policy, not political science after I look through the catolog of courses iw oudl have to take for both majors... so i'm wondering since UCLA doesnt hav ean undergrad public policy, would i be fine in the polisci dept? polisci seems a bit more theoretical than practical and im into the more practical aspects of political science, hence public policy...

or does this undergrad degree matter much at all if i plan to get a masters/etc in ppolicy anyway?

UCLAri · 03-15-2007, 02:23 PM

mcrk,

UCLA offers a public affairs minor, which can supplement a good poli sci foundation.

I tend to be wary of people who say that they want "practical study" without paying heed to the fact that good theory drives even better practical application. You can't put forth good policy in the policy realm if you don't know what's going on underneath the surface-- poli sci will give you that understanding.

For you, I recommend the poli sci major and public affairs minor. Combined, they will give you a fantastic foundation building toward an MA or career either way.

evelyn_rose · 03-16-2007, 04:06 AM

Hey UCLAri, which majors require taking a foreign language up to level six?

UCLAri · 03-16-2007, 04:13 AM

Oh jeez, I don't know. There are way too many (around 100).

liyana179 · 03-16-2007, 04:45 PM

linguistics and psych, for one. (yes that's one major lol)
which i'm thinking of switching to.
soooooo much language *sigh*

UCLAri · 03-16-2007, 04:49 PM

I don't know much about the requirements outside of a few departments.

Here's a good chance to hone your internet skills, kids! Go to the major's site and see what the major requirements are.

TonyLTH12 · 03-17-2007, 09:10 PM

How much flexibility is there in terms of major to get into a MPP program (or PhD program if one decide to go the academia route)? I have already started on my minor in Public Affairs, but for major, how much flexibilty do I have? I know Poly Sci + Public Affairs minor and East Asian (or any other regional studies) + public affairs minor are great combinations... but how about a humanities major + public affairs minor? I believe I have seen English + public affairs minor... how about Classical Civilization + public affairs minor? I would say the research and more importantly, internships (especailly a top/prestigious internship) and work expereinces would compensate for not having a more "traditional" major, yeah?

Just curious to see what the options are.

UCLAri · 03-17-2007, 09:13 PM

Your major is going to have very little effect on your admission to top programs. What's going to matter is what you do when you're majoring in it and what you do afterward. Most of the top MPP programs will require at least 2-4 years of work experience, or something else significant to make up for a lack of work experience.

My only big recommendation is that you do at least 1-2 quarters of math (stats and calc), a year of econ (micro, macro, and econometrics), and at least 3 years of language study.

imgoin2college · 03-24-2007, 02:02 PM

hey UCLAri, i've been reading your posts for a while and they're so informative, thanks!
but now i have a question for ya.
I just got into UCSD for poli sci and ASSUMING (huge assumption) i get into UCLA for poli sci as well, which should I go to?
I guess the two factors in play here are 1) UCLA= much more prestigious 2) UCSD supposedly has a better poli sci program, but still...UCLA is...UCLA!
so...if you were in my position which would you chose?
(btw sorry if there's already a thread like this...if there is you can just link me)

UCLAri · 03-25-2007, 05:04 AM

If it is for undergrad, then I'd say you should go wherever you like better. To be honest, the difference between UCLA and UCSD for most things in poli sci isn't that large, and undergrad programs are very different anyway. In the end, you'll do much better if you enjoy the program you're at, rather than sitting around and worrying about grad program strength.

After going to UCSD as a grad student and UCLA as an undergrad, I believe that UCLA offers a better undergrad experience. However, your mileage may vary.

Malishka31 · 03-25-2007, 05:47 AM

Tell me more abot your honor thesis, why you did it, how you did, what program you have to be a part of to do it, blah blah, etc, etc thanks.

Emmeline · 03-26-2007, 01:52 AM

Hey Ari --

Do you know if OOS students pay OOS tuition for EAP? I heard that regardless EAP is slightly cheaper than the same time served at UCLA. Also, have you ever heard of students doing different study abroad programs besides EAP? In your opinion, do you think EAP was your best option? Did you explore other programs?

UCLAri · 03-26-2007, 02:16 AM

Malishka,

I applied for the program through the poli sci department. I did it because I had something to write about and thought it would be fun. You just had to get into the poli sci honors program to do it.

Emmeline,

I don't know about OOSers and EAP. I do know, however, that EAP offers pretty much the best experience for a UCer. It's super easy to make the units translate back at UCLA, which is important.

wildgrass · 03-26-2007, 03:45 AM

For EAP, where can we check how the units transfer into our major, specifically upper div courses?