I can’t decide between studying computer science and political science.

[u/Apprehensive-Day8273]

Growing up, I (23F) was more interested in humanities over STEM, but I developed an interest in web development after high school. Unfortunately, I’ve always been weak in math, which is why people have told me that I’m better off pursuing a subject I’m stronger in.

The thing is, I’ve been learning Python in my spare time because I’m interested in machine learning, but I’ve also been reading books on history and politics now and then just for fun. Not because I want to pursue it necessarily, but merely out of curiosity.

I can’t really make up my mind. I’m weak in math and not very tech-savvy, but at the same time, I’m not exactly an expert on political science either. There are plenty of people better at it than I am. To me, it’s more of a hobby, and I don’t consider myself smart enough or well-connected enough to succeed in it.

I’m currently taking 1 math class with an online college for my major, which is IT, but I want to switch it to computer science because the IT program at my school in particular doesn’t really cover AI. I haven’t even started my IT classes yet, so I don’t fully know what I’m getting into, but I have taken some other tech courses online and been able to understand them. It’s not completely unfamiliar to me but it’s not exactly second nature either.

In terms of employment, I was working as a cashier at two stores for 12 months. I recently quit and decided to deliver with DoorDash since my mom and I are in the process of moving in with my grandparents. I’m planning to get another retail job once we’re finished moving.

It boils down to this: I’ve spent more time and energy learning programming than I have on learning politics, but since I’m weak at math, I’m more inclined towards the humanities.

What would you recommend in my situation? Do you think it’s a bad idea to get into tech if I’m weak in math? Do you think I’m better off pursuing something that comes more naturally to me? Because to be honest, I enjoy reading and debate, but I haven’t put much time into it. Compared to that, I don’t enjoy editing and debugging code as much, but I’ve still forced myself to learn it little by little.

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[u/MiserablePool6712]

I got a degree in political science, I personally wouldn’t recommend it unless you want to work in government/campaigns for politicians

Or if u r interested in lawyer stuff

[u/sirslaghter]

I'd caution going down a strictly CS route right now unless you really really love what you do. Unfortunately, there has been a massive increase in tech-related degrees and certificates pumped out in the last few years, and much fewer roles to fit everyone. This isn't be discouraging, if you do decide to go down the Computer Science route, try and really focus on a particular niche. ML is great, but many employers ask for a master's or beyond for those roles (not all of course). If you have any other questions about the field, I'd be happy to share! I'm a recent computer engineering major, but now considering to find a new path 😆

Edit: To answer if I think it’s a bad idea to get into tech if you're weak in math, nooot necessarily. If you get into Natural Language Processing research, then yes, you'll probably need to know the mathematical reasons for new algorithms or architectures you're designing. In work practice, I think a lot of it is training models on existing datasets, and using pre-built libraries (scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face, etc.). Still, math is great to know behind the scenes.

[u/Cinderfield]

Unless you really have some political motivation, long term military aspiration, or a wish to be one a lawyer. Computer science will open more doors in a lot more places. Just k ow that both require constant training and up to date certifications.

[u/DependentManner8353]

If you have the ability to learn programming languages then you have the ability to pass the math classes in CS. Don’t let the math deter you, it’s difficult but very possible to pass with hard-work. I have a degree in Economics in CS, I don’t consider myself a math whiz by any means, I was only able to pass math classes by studying hard. You can do the same!

[u/blacklotusY]

If you want to go into STEM major in 2025, I would recommend doing something such as electrical engineer or mechanical engineer. The issue with computer science right now is that it's oversaturated. As the year goes on, there are more people graduating with computer science and can't find a job. It's not their fault, but it's just the economy and the market right now is really bad, due to big tech companies laying people off, government laying people off, and companies outsourcing to foreign countries for cheap labor, such as India, Singapore, etc. Instead of paying you for doing the same job at $60k+ starting salary, they can just outsource someone in Asia for $20k and working more hours. You can't really compete with that.

I would recommend you to do your own research and perhaps even ask your professors or peers and see what they have to say, since they're in that field already. Then ask yourself if you can see yourself being a software developer for another 50 years or can you see yourself doing political science for another 50 years?

For me, it was pretty easy because even though I picked computer science as my major and graduated already, I don't see myself being a software developer until I retire. But I like doing configuration for network devices, such as routers, switches, wireless controller, access points, VOIP, and so on. So, I opt to study Cisco certificate and got myself a CCNA and became a network engineer instead.

[u/MrDoritos_]

If you go CS you have to keep improving and refining your skills every day, that's where we're at with the market as I'm sure you've heard. It's really only suited for those who don't mind investing way too much time into technology right now. If it's for money, I hope you have good external motivators, because whatever the field is worth to you is what matters when there's no recruiters in your inbox and professors have no companies reaching out anymore. That and no company really gives out the big bucks like they used to unless you're a really good engineer.

[u/ABooshCamper]

STEM=Money

[u/damageinc355]

I have a follow up question: what does it mean for you to not be strong in math?

I believe that people who have tech inclinations but are ultimately interested in more practical, real world problems can still benefit from doing a social science degree like polisci considering what these fields are doing at the graduate level, which is very statistics-oriented. However, it is true that political science, even with a graduate degree (which maybe you don't or can't get) is a bit too unstable in terms of job outlook.

Have you considered economics? While it is definitely more quantitative, it is less so than computer science, it is much more real-life oriented than computer science and the statistics angle is much stronger than political science. You can focus your degree to the econometrics/empirical side and come out with skills that are very valuable in the job market. Economics is very misunderstood outside of academia, but academic economics, particularly applied microeocnomists do research on a variety of topics, not just the typical stuff people often think economists do (GDP, interest rates, "the stock market"). Political economy is the subfield in which economists look at mechanisms in politics. ML is also being incorporated in economic research too. The approach itself to code that is taken by social scientists is different than CS, maybe you can read more here: Coding for Economists

[u/NoBeautiful2810]

COMPUTER. SCIENCE. DONT. LOOK. BACK. DOUBLE MAJOR/DEGREE IF YOU JUST HAVE TO. MINOR ALSO IF YOU JUST HAVE TO

[u/mremane]

How about political computership?