Ideal Major for a Career in Foreign Service?

I've always been captivated by international relations and diplomacy. I'm looking into the life of a Foreign Service officer. Any suggestions on the most reliable college majors for this path? And how beneficial might it be to double major? Language? Political Science?

For a career path in Foreign Service, there are several academic programs that could serve you well. Among the most common are International Relations, Political Science, and Public Policy which are particularly well-aligned with the knowledge base needed for diplomatic work. These majors will provide you with a solid understanding of global systems, political structures, policy-making processes, and cross-cultural communication, making them relevant to the work conducted by Foreign Service officers.

It's also smart to consider expanding your language skills given the international nature of Foreign Service work. Majoring or minoring in a language, especially those that are deemed critical like Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Farsi, or Korean, can strengthen your application and broaden your potential assignments in the foreign service.

As for double majoring, consider what additional knowledge or skills you want to learn and how they align with your career aspirations. For example, if you're interested in economic diplomacy, a double major with Economics could be advantageous. If you're thinking about international development, Sociology or Anthropology might be relevant. A second major can provide a unique lens through which to approach diplomacy and international relations, making you a more versatile candidate in the process.

However, remember that major selection is only one piece of the puzzle. Practical experience like relevant internships, study abroad programs, or participating in Model United Nations can be equally, if not more, beneficial in shaping your understanding of the field and boosting your abilities. It's often said that Foreign Service isn't just a job, it's a lifestyle - so any pursuits that deepen your global awareness, linguistic competency, and intercultural communication will be highly beneficial. Good luck with your studies!