<p>beautifully said, younghoss.</p>
<p>Being straight with the parents is the only winning way to go. They have legitimate concerns for the OP’s welfare; they need honest communication. It is up to the OP to approach or respond to them both with the importance of following one’s inclinations, and with the many possible earning paths for a poli sci undergrad major. The undergrad major in itself is not the end of the story. Combined with other minors, majors, grad work, and/or life experience, it can be harnessed for success in many endeavors. This is a great opportunity for the OP to educate the parents on this, and for the lines of communication to open, not close.</p>