BA Economics vs BA Political Science

Need help deciding which degree to pursue after class 12? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common confusions surrounding students passing out of school life and entering the university arena. To top the indecisiveness, many popular choices prove to be highly rewarding in terms of career growth for the students in the future. To cite an example, a Bachelor’s degree in Economics is equally popular among students as is an undergraduate course in Political Science. Of course, there are some striking differences between the two, which will help you make an informed choice at this juncture in your journey. This blog covers BA Economics vs Political Science in detail.

What is BA Economics?

Let us begin with defining the basics first. A BA in Economics is a three-year undergraduate program aimed at helping students understand the basic concepts of the subject. It also equips them with the required skills to apply the learned knowledge of economic theories and concepts in real-world environments. 

What is BA Political Science?

This is also an undergraduate degree designed for students with a keen interest in politics, both at the national and international levels. The course offers learning in a wide array of topics revolving around the government and the political scenario. 

Course curriculum: BA Economics 

One of the key points to note while choosing between a BA in Economics and Political Science is the curriculum offered in both degree programs. Shared below are the semester-wise subjects that you will learn in BA Economics courses:

Course curriculum: BA Political Science

Let us now look at the subjects covered in BA Political Science courses. One of the primary differences between Economics vs Political Science degrees is that the latter is offered with a combination of 2 other subjects – English and Sociology. Thus, the three-year undergraduate program offers an in-depth understanding of all three domains to students. 

Careers after BA in Economics

Students graduating with a BA degree in Economics are eligible to apply for a wide variety of rewarding job roles, some of which are outlined below. The career these graduates are likely to chart out for themselves also helps understand the key differences between BA Economics and Political Science courses.

1. Securities Trader: They are also referred to as stock traders and buy and sell assets that can be traded. These include bonds, digital currencies, and stocks for individual or organizational clients in return for a commission. 

Average annual salary (approx): INR 13,25,000 per annum  

2. Actuary: They employ statistical and mathematical skills to evaluate and reduce potential financial risks involved for a company.

Average annual salary (approx): INR 12 lakh per annum

3. Economists: They are responsible for conducting detailed studies of statistics and data on economics for analyzing and interpreting current trends. They then use their findings to offer advice to governments, business organizations, and individuals on topics of economics.

Average annual salary (approx): INR 11,71,394 per annum

4. Auditor: They evaluate the financial records of individuals and organizations, report the findings to the concerned stakeholders, and assess any potential financial risks involved for the organization.

Average annual salary (approx): INR 7 lakh per annum

5. Financial Advisor: They understand the financial objectives of a client and offer guided assistance and support in devising plans for their achievement.

Average annual salary (approx): INR 4.7 lakh per annum

Careers after BA in Political Science

Let us now look at some of the most preferred career roles for BA Political Science graduates in India:

1.  International Development Officer: They are responsible for executing various programs aimed at the development of developing nations in terms of their overall health standards, economic prosperity, and equitable distribution of essential amenities.

Average annual salary (approx): INR 15.7 lakh per annum

2. Civil Servants: They execute specific policies and laws formed by the government.

Average annual salary (approx): INR 11,10,000 per annum

3. Political Analyst: They are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information and public opinion on current political events and foresee future trends based on the collected data.

Average annual salary (approx): INR 9.15 lakh per annum

4. Political Scientist: They design and test political theories, assessing their overall impact on business organizations, governments, and people. 

Average annual salary (approx): INR 750,000 per annum

5. Legislative Assistant: They do legal research, draft legal documents and reports, and are responsible for regularly updating and maintaining legislative databases. 

Average annual salary (approx): INR 4,25,041 per annum

BA Economics vs BA Political Science: What you should choose

The BA Economics or Political Science choice can be rather difficult to make for some students. Both courses present attractive options and career opportunities to prospective students, thereby making the choice harder. It therefore helps to narrow down the choice to a select few parameters that can help guide you in making an informed decision. Given below are some of the key parameters to consider when choosing between BA Economics or BA Political Science degree programs.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to choose a BA in Economics or Political Science is entirely a matter of personal choice, academic interest, and career aspirations. The choice can sometimes be tricky; hence, we tried to cover the key differences and some common parameters that can help you make an informed choice after class 12.

You can also choose to pursue your undergraduate degree online from the convenience of your home. Sikkim Manipal University offers online BA courses with a combination of Political Science, English, and Sociology to enable students to take in a deeper understanding of all these domains. You can later choose to pursue a Master’s in Political Science, or in any of the other combinations, to deepen your understanding of the subject and boost your chances at securing a lucrative job role in the industry.   

Sikkim Manipal University is accredited by NAAC and all its degree courses are entitled by the UGC. The programs offered on the Online Manipal platform enjoy global recognition among industry leaders, corporations, governments, and private organizations.