<p>tomofboston, truer words have never been written.</p>
<p>Every IS major I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen my fair share) has basically been this: take some classes in IR, learn a second language, take some classes to acquaint yourself with a “region” of interest, take a little econ, take a little sociology, and study abroad. Then you’ve got yourself a major in IS.</p>
<p>Some schools I’ve seen have had an IS major that’s really an IR major, but they choose to call it IS instead of IR. Either way, the degree is completely useless. No one will hire you right out of undergrad because you have no marketable skills except, hopefully, some proficiency in a second language. I always encourage people to stay away from IS and IR unless they plan on entering academia - besides, most of the bigshot diplomats and foreign service people got PhDs assuming they’d spend their lives teaching but somehow wound up in public service (see M. Albright and C. Rice). The only other way to make it big in world affairs is to become a superstar in some completely unrelated area (see C. Powell and H. Clinton). I know some people will say that not everyone expects to be Sec of State some day, but this is a load of crap. Most people majoring in IS or IR think that they’re destined for a Cabinet position or key ambassadorship. Well, if that’s your goal then I suggest you drop out of college, save your money, and donate it to a presidential campaign because the only way you’ll ever get one of those jobs.</p>