Compare two majors
Pick any two majors to see courses, skills, and typical career roles side by side. Useful if you're weighing two options that sound similar, like Computer Science vs. Data Science, or Biology vs. Biochemistry.
Social Sciences
International Relations
How countries, institutions, and global forces interact.
Typical courses
- ✓Introduction to International Relations
- ✓Comparative Politics
- ✓International Political Economy
- ✓International Law & Organizations
- ✓Global Security & Conflict
- ✓Foreign Language (often required)
Skills you'll build
Analysis of global political and economic systemsCross-cultural communicationResearch and persuasive writingUnderstanding international law and institutionsNegotiation and diplomacy simulation skillsForeign language proficiency (often)Critical evaluation of global news and events
Good fit if you...
- ★Interested in global affairs, diplomacy, and other countries
- ★Enjoys research, debate, and current events discussion
- ★Comfortable with or excited about learning a foreign language
- ★Considering careers in foreign service, NGOs, or global policy
Social Sciences
Political Science
How power, government, and political systems work.
Typical courses
- ✓Introduction to American Government
- ✓Comparative Politics
- ✓International Relations
- ✓Political Theory
- ✓Research Methods in Political Science
- ✓Public Policy Analysis
Skills you'll build
Political and institutional analysisResearch and argumentative writingUnderstanding policy processesCritical evaluation of political claims and mediaPublic speaking and debateComparative and historical reasoningData analysis for political and social questions
Good fit if you...
- ★Interested in government, policy, and current events
- ★Enjoys debate, discussion, and argumentative writing
- ★Comfortable engaging with controversial or contested topics evenhandedly
- ★Considering law, public service, or policy-related paths
Roles this could lead to
This comparison covers what each field of study typically includes. It's not a ranking, and it isn't a guarantee of course availability or outcomes at any specific school. See our disclaimer.