2 answers
Chau
Student
Maricopa, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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As an international high school student, how do I know which major is the right college major for me?
Hi, I am Chau, an international student studying in a US high school. I am currently a senior, and I am still confused about what major I should go to in college. I started discovering my major when I was a sophomore, there are Criminal Psychology/International Relations/International Law.
What kind of job/How can I find a job in these fields as an international student?
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2 answers
Joseph Ford
170
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
WOW. you got alot going on here. :-) This link may provide some clarity.
https://catalog.northeastern.edu/undergraduate/social-sciences-humanities/international-affairs/international-affairs-criminal-justice-ba/
https://catalog.northeastern.edu/undergraduate/social-sciences-humanities/international-affairs/international-affairs-criminal-justice-ba/
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
538
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Chau,
Good question! Choosing a college major can be a big decision, especially when you have multiple interests. Criminal Psychology, International Relations, and International Law each offer exciting opportunities and distinct career paths, and you can start narrowing down your options by exploring each field’s career possibilities, academic requirements, and relevance to your long-term goals.
1. Research Each Field and Career Pathways
- Criminal Psychology: This field focuses on understanding criminal behavior, which can lead to careers in forensic psychology, criminal profiling, or working with law enforcement agencies. To work in this area, you may need a bachelor’s in psychology or criminology, followed by specialized graduate studies in forensic psychology.
- International Relations (IR): IR involves studying global affairs, diplomacy, and international policy. Careers here include diplomat, foreign service officer, policy analyst, or international consultant roles. This major is usually broad and can be paired with other subjects to tailor your focus, such as political science or economics.
International law focuses on laws governing relations between countries, human rights, and international trade. A law degree (JD or LLM for international students) is necessary to work in law, especially as a lawyer, often after completing an undergraduate program in political science, international relations, or pre-law.
2. Assess Your Career Goals and Interests
Consider what excites you most about each field. For instance:
- Are you more interested in analyzing and understanding human behavior, particularly criminal behavior?
- Do you enjoy learning about different cultures, and policies, and working towards solutions to global issues?
- Do you see yourself advocating for justice on an international scale or working within legal frameworks to shape policy?
3. Look for Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Each of these fields offers unique internships and volunteer experiences that can give you firsthand insights. For example:
-For criminal psychology, consider internships with local or state law enforcement or research assistant roles in psychology labs.
- For international relations, consider internships with non-profits, think tanks, or government organizations that focus on foreign affairs.
- For international law, many organizations and non-profits seek legal interns or volunteers, which can help you understand if this pathway is right for you.
4. Understand the Job Market for International Students
- Work Authorization: After graduation, international students can work in the U.S. under OPT (Optional Practical Training) or apply for H-1B visas if they have employer sponsorship. Certain fields, like STEM, may offer extended OPT periods, which can be helpful if you choose a double major or minor that qualifies under STEM.
- Networking and Career Resources: Most colleges offer career counseling and networking resources tailored to international students. Attending career fairs, joining student organizations, and connecting with alumni can be valuable.
5. Explore Courses in College Before Declaring a Major
If you’re unsure, most colleges allow students to take introductory courses across different disciplines before officially declaring a major. Taking courses in psychology, political science, and introductory law classes can give you insights into each field and help you determine which aligns best with your interests.
If you’re still uncertain, consider schools that allow flexibility or have programs that combine multiple interests, like a double major or a major with a minor.y
Best wishes!
Good question! Choosing a college major can be a big decision, especially when you have multiple interests. Criminal Psychology, International Relations, and International Law each offer exciting opportunities and distinct career paths, and you can start narrowing down your options by exploring each field’s career possibilities, academic requirements, and relevance to your long-term goals.
1. Research Each Field and Career Pathways
- Criminal Psychology: This field focuses on understanding criminal behavior, which can lead to careers in forensic psychology, criminal profiling, or working with law enforcement agencies. To work in this area, you may need a bachelor’s in psychology or criminology, followed by specialized graduate studies in forensic psychology.
- International Relations (IR): IR involves studying global affairs, diplomacy, and international policy. Careers here include diplomat, foreign service officer, policy analyst, or international consultant roles. This major is usually broad and can be paired with other subjects to tailor your focus, such as political science or economics.
International law focuses on laws governing relations between countries, human rights, and international trade. A law degree (JD or LLM for international students) is necessary to work in law, especially as a lawyer, often after completing an undergraduate program in political science, international relations, or pre-law.
2. Assess Your Career Goals and Interests
Consider what excites you most about each field. For instance:
- Are you more interested in analyzing and understanding human behavior, particularly criminal behavior?
- Do you enjoy learning about different cultures, and policies, and working towards solutions to global issues?
- Do you see yourself advocating for justice on an international scale or working within legal frameworks to shape policy?
3. Look for Internships and Volunteer Opportunities
Each of these fields offers unique internships and volunteer experiences that can give you firsthand insights. For example:
-For criminal psychology, consider internships with local or state law enforcement or research assistant roles in psychology labs.
- For international relations, consider internships with non-profits, think tanks, or government organizations that focus on foreign affairs.
- For international law, many organizations and non-profits seek legal interns or volunteers, which can help you understand if this pathway is right for you.
4. Understand the Job Market for International Students
- Work Authorization: After graduation, international students can work in the U.S. under OPT (Optional Practical Training) or apply for H-1B visas if they have employer sponsorship. Certain fields, like STEM, may offer extended OPT periods, which can be helpful if you choose a double major or minor that qualifies under STEM.
- Networking and Career Resources: Most colleges offer career counseling and networking resources tailored to international students. Attending career fairs, joining student organizations, and connecting with alumni can be valuable.
5. Explore Courses in College Before Declaring a Major
If you’re unsure, most colleges allow students to take introductory courses across different disciplines before officially declaring a major. Taking courses in psychology, political science, and introductory law classes can give you insights into each field and help you determine which aligns best with your interests.
If you’re still uncertain, consider schools that allow flexibility or have programs that combine multiple interests, like a double major or a major with a minor.y
Best wishes!