can some one tell me what a BS in Poli. Sci is????

Just Dad

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With DD in DC on the DL, DurDin I asked what her major was gonna be; answer Poli Sci. I know what a BS in Poli Sci means literally, but to me (and the non-USNA world) a BS in Poli. Sci makes about as much sense as putting wings on a Beagle.

DD has the Chops for a BS in Chem. Eng. Etc.. She is walking around with Lt bars this week for her 6 week Chem score, (in her pocket, won't wear em).

Anyway:
1) is there something about the USNA Poli Sci course of study that makes it special? (Particularly with respect to USN Intel??). I mean why not Computer Science or Cyber Science?

2) Does the BS in Poli Sci get her far enough along with basic Science courses to allow her to quickly complete a BS in a hard science major later-on if she wants?

I bout got my head ripped off when I suggested that a BS in a hard science + any advanced degree would be a better combo if she ever chose to leave the Navy------------maybe it was the "chose to leave the Navy" part?

I know this is her call BTW; save the "let go lecture" for another time please.
 
Every Mid who graduates get a BS regardless of major. So if a BS in poli sci makes your head explode, how about a BS in English or Arabic? Don't know the answer to your second question, but my guess is not.
 
First of all a BS, regardless of major, is at a higher level than a BA due to the additional science and math.

You do know what the acronyms for degrees stand for?

BS - Bull S^!!
MS - More S^!!
PhD - Piled on higher and deeper
 
Everyone graduates with a BS regardless of major. Poli Sci is a popular major. Mids who gravitate towards it usually have an interest in studying world events and how they impact their future. Once she declares as a Group 3 major and starts down that path it is hard to get out of that group. I got a BS in history. I now have an MA and will very shortly have an MBA and MS in engineering. I have spent most of my time outside the USMC working as an engineer. There are pros and cons to every major. Regardless of major, she will be an officer. Little of what she learns academically will be crucial to her job her first tour of two. It's the critical thinking, writing, problem solving that she does that she will use daily as an officer.
 
Other than an Academy where can you get a BS in Chinese? She has given briefings on far eastern affairs but other than that ring knockers are all the same and go the same route regardless of major.
 
With DD in DC on the DL, DurDin I asked what her major was gonna be; answer Poli Sci. I know what a BS in Poli Sci means literally, but to me (and the non-USNA world) a BS in Poli. Sci makes about as much sense as putting wings on a Beagle.

DD has the Chops for a BS in Chem. Eng. Etc.. She is walking around with Lt bars this week for her 6 week Chem score, (in her pocket, won't wear em).

Anyway:
1) is there something about the USNA Poli Sci course of study that makes it special? (Particularly with respect to USN Intel??). I mean why not Computer Science or Cyber Science?

2) Does the BS in Poli Sci get her far enough along with basic Science courses to allow her to quickly complete a BS in a hard science major later-on if she wants?

I bout got my head ripped off when I suggested that a BS in a hard science + any advanced degree would be a better combo if she ever chose to leave the Navy------------maybe it was the "chose to leave the Navy" part?

I know this is her call BTW; save the "let go lecture" for another time please.
I can tell you what I know so far about a future degree in science. My mid and I have poured over the course requirements for all graduates, regardless of major at USNA. It is very math and science heavy. Since my mid is planning to get a masters in biology later, we consulted a family friend with a PhD from Vanderbilt who is currently the Dean of Sciences at a college in NC. She consoled him, telling him that with a degree from USNA and with his leadership during service, he should have no problem getting into any graduate school, and they would love to have him because he fits the diversity bill because of being military. I think the key for the ones interested in science is to try to fit in the Organic Chemistry somewhere. That is really the only prerequisite for sciences that the USNA degree common core is lacking. Mine has chosen Oceanography as his major, as it is very experiment oriented, which he feels will help him later on applications. I would think she could go straight to a Masters in science and not fool with another BS. I'm no expert, just telling you what I was told.
 
As Navy Hoops indicated, everyone gets a BS . Regardless of major, USNA is a technical school. I was a Poli Sci major, and I frequently tell my candidates the list of mandatory classes I took:

2-3 semesters of Calculus/Math (I validated one because of NAPS)
2 semesters of Chemistry
2 semesters of Physics
2 semesters of Electrical Engineering (Wires, not Cables )
1 semester Naval Architecture
1 semester of Thermodynamics
2 semesters of Weapons Systems Engineering (essentially Applied Physics, one of the coolest courses we took)
Computer Science

It's been 30+ years, so I may have forgotten a class or two, but you get the point. As a Poly Sci major, I only had one semester where I didn't have to carry a calculator ! On top of that, I learned about how the world works and how to write a coherent paper. You will not find that "broad" an education anywhere, except perhaps another service academy.

I wouldn't worry about DD's major. First, she has a job when she gets out, and second, a Naval Academy diploma and service in the Navy /Marine Corps will make her competitive for any job she wants to pursue after she leaves the service.
 
My Brother in Law is a Vice President at a Major US corporation. They would leap over high hurdles to hire anyone with an Academy education.
 
I was a government major at CGA (it's a BS, essentially political science). I also have a master's degree.

No issues with jobs. No issues with money.
 
DD - class of 2019 - struggled with her major & did indeed change it this winter. She declared poly science last year but decided to change to English with an Arabic minor. I have been very involved in her decisions in the past but had very, very little input on this change. I mostly just listened and made some points back to her that she had made herself last year. Bottom line, she will have a liberal arts major but a bachelor of science degree, not a bad combo ! I keep joking it's the only not college that you can major in English and have a great job right after graduation.
 
As a Poly Sci major, I can tell you that -- as a general rule -- your undergraduate major doesn't make all that much difference in your USNA/USMC career or in life. There are some exceptions. If you plan to go subs, having a technical major probably makes the highly technical follow-education a bit easier. But I know history majors who went on to command subs. The one exception is those planning to go to med school, where your majors may be limited due to the need for organic chem, which sucks up a huge amount of time.

My view is that USNA is hard enough -- and the core curriculum challenging enough -- that you should pick a major that interests and you think you'll well in academically.
 
First of all a BS, regardless of major, is at a higher level than a BA due to the additional science and math.

You do know what the acronyms for degrees stand for?

BS - Bull S^!!
MS - More S^!!
PhD - Piled on higher and deeper

I have a PhD in the shed, a Post hole Digger!;)
 
The current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs earned his bachelors degree in PolSci.
http://www.smcvt.edu/pages/get-to-know-us/alumni/dunford-joseph.aspx

The previous Chairman, Martin Demspey, earned his degree in English at WP and wrote a Masters Thesis on the Irish Literature at Duke. I remember him quoting Thucydides in testimony before a Congressional Committee.

I bout got my head ripped off

Dad, your DD is going to do great. If she didn't think large or if she thought you know what you're talking about, there would be something wrong with her.

Wishing her the best of luck.!
 
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