Muslim World Report

Should You Switch from Political Science to International Relations?

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 1, 2025 10:32 AM | 8 min read | 1668 words

TL;DR: Switching from political science to international relations can provide a broader perspective on global issues, but it might delay graduation and increase financial burdens. Students should carefully weigh their options, including remaining in political science while taking electives or considering dual pathways that combine both disciplines.

Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Global Studies

The ongoing evolution of academia mirrors the complexities of international dynamics, revealing how individual decisions can significantly affect both personal lives and the global landscape. A political science student contemplating a shift to a major in international relations represents more than a personal crossroads; it embodies a generational struggle to align educational pursuits with pressing global realities.

In an age characterized by intricate geopolitical interdependencies, understanding international relations has never been more critical. Students find themselves at a pivotal moment, balancing their current trajectory in political science against the allure of a broader, more interdisciplinary approach to global affairs.

The Global Context: Why International Relations Matters

This situation reflects a larger trend among students who recognize the interconnectedness of:

  • Political systems
  • Cultural narratives
  • Historical contexts

The world today is shaped by:

  • Rapid globalization
  • Shifting power dynamics
  • Transnational challenges (e.g., climate change, terrorism, migration) (Whitmee et al., 2015)

Reassessing one’s academic focus to include international relations is not just a personal inquiry, but a response to the evolving needs of our times. The implications of such a decision are significant:

  • Students equipped with international studies backgrounds are better prepared for contemporary challenges.
  • They can contribute meaningfully to discussions about peace, security, and humanitarian efforts globally.

Moreover, the implications extend beyond academia. Young leaders engaging in dialogues about foreign policy must navigate their interests, the realities of academic structures, and the impact of their decisions on future career trajectories. A switch to international relations may provide a comprehensive toolkit for analyzing and effecting change in a world demanding cross-disciplinary competencies. However, the potential cost—delaying graduation and the financial burden associated with extended study—must not be overlooked. Thus, it is imperative to thoughtfully consider the implications of such a shift in terms of personal investment and the wider socio-political context.

What If the Student Switches Majors?

Should the student decide to switch to international relations, several significant outcomes are likely:

  1. Access to a Diverse Curriculum:

    • Emphasizes political theory, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and global economics.
    • Enhances understanding of international systems and competitiveness in the job market.

  2. Challenges to Consider:

    • The additional semester of study may increase student loan debt, impacting long-term financial stability.
    • Delaying entry into the workforce could hinder early experience in relevant fields.
    • A delayed graduation might put them at a disadvantage compared to peers who graduated on schedule.

Additionally, this shift may lead to a fundamental transformation in the student’s worldview. Exposure to a wider array of disciplines, including anthropology and geography, can reshape their understanding of cultural dynamics and global issues. This intellectual evolution may inspire engagement in activism or policy-making that prioritizes equitable and just international practices, although it may also lead to disillusionment with traditional political structures.

What If the Student Stays in Political Science and Takes Electives?

If the student chooses to remain in political science while enrolling in international relations electives, they could strike a balance that allows them to explore their interests without significantly delaying graduation. This pathway promotes focused study in:

  • Political theories
  • Governance
  • Domestic policies

While simultaneously integrating critical international concepts. Staying in political science may provide:

  • A solid foundation in governance and political theory.
  • Analytical tools necessary for evaluating domestic and foreign policies.

Upon entering the workforce, this diversified academic background can enhance employability, enabling the student to adapt to roles in:

  • Public policy
  • International non-profits
  • Government agencies

Moreover, this route encourages engagement with faculty and peers from both disciplines, fostering a community that supports interdisciplinary discourse. Such collaboration can yield innovative solutions to complex problems, leading to a holistic understanding of global challenges. However, students must be proactive in seeking opportunities to apply this blended knowledge, which may require additional effort in networking and securing internships or research positions.

What If the Student Decides Against Switching Majors Altogether?

Choosing not to switch majors can yield distinct benefits and challenges:

Benefits:

  • Graduating on time reduces financial burdens and enables quicker workforce entry.
  • Concentration on political science fosters deep knowledge of domestic political structures, making the student valuable in sectors like law and public administration.

Challenges:

  • Students might feel constrained, missing out on the interdisciplinary education that international relations provides.
  • Graduating with a narrower focus may leave them ill-equipped to engage with global issues demanding a multifaceted perspective, particularly as local events are influenced by global trends.

In this scenario, students must be intentional about seeking additional experiences—such as internships, study abroad programs, or volunteering with international organizations—that can supplement their education. Networking with professionals in international fields enhances their understanding and preparedness for careers involving global concerns.

The Academic and Career Landscape

Navigating these academic considerations involves evaluating not only the internal dilemmas faced by students but also the broader institutional and career landscape. The relationship between political science and international relations is complex and requires a nuanced understanding that transcends traditional academic silos.

The interconnection between these disciplines is increasingly evident in contemporary career paths:

  • Graduates from political science programs are expected to demonstrate knowledge of international affairs.
  • Employers are seeking candidates who can tackle challenges from multiple angles, reflecting the rise of interdisciplinary studies and programs aimed at addressing global issues.

Institutional Adaptations

Academic institutions play a vital role in shaping students’ experiences. As demand for interdisciplinary education grows, universities must rethink their curricula to provide flexible pathways that integrate courses from both political science and international relations.

For example, universities could implement programs offering joint degrees or minors, allowing students to pursue studies in both disciplines. This innovation would make them more competitive and foster a robust understanding of the interplay between domestic policies and international relations.

Partnerships with global organizations and local governmental bodies can enrich practical experiences, ensuring educational journeys align with job market demands. Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects, significantly enhance a student’s understanding and provide real-world applications for their studies.

Employer Perspectives

From an employer’s standpoint, understanding the evolving educational landscape is crucial. Recognizing that the future workforce will need interdisciplinary skills can reshape recruitment strategies. Employers can benefit by valuing diverse academic backgrounds and focusing on competencies candidates bring to the table rather than strictly their degree titles.

By embracing a broader understanding of candidates’ educational paths, employers can cultivate a workforce capable of addressing the intricate challenges posed by globalization. Skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication are invaluable in the context of international relations and can significantly enhance a company’s global strategy.

The Broader Implications of Educational Choices

In making decisions about academic paths, students must be mindful of the broader implications of their choices—not just for their careers, but for their contributions to society. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for informed individuals who can navigate complex global issues continues to grow.

Engaging in international studies cultivates a sense of global citizenship, as students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and understand the socio-political dynamics shaping international relations. This understanding is vital not only for personal career development but also for fostering a more inclusive and equitable global society.

The moral responsibility to engage with pressing issues is particularly pertinent for students today. As they weigh their academic options, the potential impact of their choices should guide their decisions.

Balancing personal passion with practical implications is a nuanced consideration in the academic journey. Students must assess their interests against the backdrop of financial reality and future aspirations.

Engaging in self-reflection is essential. Recognizing what drives personal motivation—whether a passion for diplomacy, a desire to address climate change, or a wish to engage in humanitarian work—allows students to align academic choices with their values. Such reflections are crucial in ensuring that emotional investment in their studies remains sustainable amidst the rigors of higher education.

On the other hand, practical considerations such as financial stability cannot be overlooked. The prospect of incurring additional debt or delaying graduation must be weighed against potential long-term benefits that an interdisciplinary education may provide. Comprehensive financial planning and academic advising can assist students in navigating these decisions with greater confidence.

Conclusion

Whether a student chooses to switch majors, remain focused on political science while incorporating international relations electives, or pursue a hybrid academic path, the decision requires careful consideration of personal passions, financial implications, and the broader context of global affairs. The allure of international relations is undeniable, but so too is the importance of grounding studies in a solid understanding of political science, as these disciplines are intricately linked.

As students navigate these paths, they should remain aware of the broader academic landscape, engage proactively with both faculty and peers, and cultivate a sense of global responsibility. Their educational journeys are not just about individual success; they are about preparing to make meaningful contributions to a world that increasingly demands innovative solutions to complex challenges.

References

  • Fukuda-Parr, S., Yamin, A. E., & Greenstein, J. (2014). The Power of Numbers: A Critical Review of Millennium Development Goal Targets for Human Development and Human Rights. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities. https://doi.org/10.1080/19452829.2013.864622
  • Jibeen, T., & Khan, M. A. (2015). Internationalization of Higher Education: Potential Benefits and Costs. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE). https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v4i4.4511
  • Lowande, K., & Shipan, C. R. (2021). Where Is Presidential Power? Measuring Presidential Discretion Using Experts. British Journal of Political Science. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007123421000296
  • Whitmee, S., Haines, A., Beyrer, C., Boltz, F., Capon, A., Dias, B. F. S., Ezeh, A., Frumkin, H., Gong, P., Head, P., Horton, R., Mace, G. M., Marten, R., Myers, S. S., Nishtar, S., Osofsky, S. A., Pattanayak, S. K., Pongsiri, M. J., Romanelli, C., Soucat, A., Vega, J., Yach, D. (2015). Safeguarding human health in the Anthropocene epoch: report of The Rockefeller Foundation–Lancet Commission on planetary health. The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(15)60901-1
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