I am a first year student at American University in DC and I don’t know what to major in. I am interested in international affairs and the Middle East so I was originally going to major in International Studies but I found the program to be too rigid and have too many requirements which would limit my options for other majors and minors while not allowing for real depth in any area. Once I realized that I did not like this particular major I decided to switch to Political Science because it would allow me to take a wider array of courses including many in international relations and comparative politics. As I have made several four year plans, I have seen the different possibilities I could pursue because I came in with almost a years worth of AP credits. I could double major in Poli. Sci. and Arab Workd Studies and minor in Economics which would allow me to learn a lot about a particular region and take some free electives in other areas. I could just do a major in Poli. Sci. and minor in Econonomics which would give me the most flexibility and let me take tons of electives in foreign affairs and humanities subjects. I could also triple major in political science, philosophy, and economics. This is the most rigid option and would require the most careful planning but could still be done in 4 years. All these options allow me to study abroad for a semester or even two. My question is which of these choices is best. On the one hand I appreciate the greater freedom and the Middle East expertise which the first two majors can provide me, however, I am extremely attracted to PPE and have wanted to study that course at Oxford since I was small(this is the best substitute I can manage for the real thing). If I go the PPE route I will still be able to take lots of interesting classes and can boost my Middke East credentials by reading independently, doing internships which focus on the region, taking night classes in Arabic, and studying abroad in Jordan. I will go to graduate school after I graduate which will allow me to specialize in international relations while I gain a broader base now. I would greatly appreciate any advice that members of the community might give. I’ve spent years lurking on this forum as I was searching for colleges and have just been compelled to post. Also, please assume that all of these options are practical and affordable. The advice I am seeking relates to how each approach might best prepare me for graduate school, a career in policy related work, diplomacy, or at an NGO, and life generally and how my studies will prepare me both for getting hired and actually doing whatever work I find myself in. Again thank you all for your help?
None of these is inherently best. It just depends on your needs and preferences, as well as your interests. Do you want more structure and rigidity or do you want the freedom to take electives? How in-depth in each of these areas do you want to go?
None of these will necessarily prepare you better for any of the post-college career paths you are considering. It’s really all just preference.