The difference between studying law and political science, and which one is better?

Learn about the difference between studying law and political science, and which one is better through this article!

When thinking about a professional academic future, students often find themselves at a crossroads between studying law and studying political science. Both fields have a broad impact on law, politics, and economics, but the differences between them lie in understanding, application, and professional areas.

Law studies focus on legal systems, legislation, and the protection of rights, while political science focuses on studying political systems, international relations, and political analysis.

In the following lines, we will explore the main differences between the two fields, how each can open different career opportunities, and highlight the skills students acquire in each area and their importance in today’s job market.

What is the difference between studying law and political science?

The difference between studying law and political science lies in the focus of each field. Law focuses on teaching and applying laws, while political science focuses on understanding political systems, analyzing public policies, and international relations

Here are the main differences between studying law and political science:

Law Studies:

• Focus: Law studies revolve around judicial systems, national and international laws, with a focus on applying the law in practical life.
• Academic Content: Students learn various branches of law, such as civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, and corporate law.
• Skills Acquired: Students gain analytical skills, critical thinking, legal drafting, and the ability to provide legal advice and represent clients in court.
• Professional Field: Graduates are qualified to work as lawyers, judges, legal advisors, or in regulatory or legal bodies.

Political Science Studies:

• Focus: Political science focuses on understanding and analyzing political systems, public policies, governance dynamics, and the political impact at both local and international levels.
• Academic Content: Students explore topics such as political theory, international relations, diplomacy, public policies, and social movements.
• Skills Acquired: Students develop the ability to analyze policies, think critically about governance and power issues, and understand international relations and their impact on security and foreign policy.
• Professional Field: It opens career opportunities in politics, diplomacy, international organizations, government institutions, as well as in research centers and universities.

An Overview of the Law Major

The law major is one of the oldest academic disciplines in history, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilizations such as the Roman Empire, which established many legal principles that still influence modern judicial systems. Over the centuries, the study of law has evolved to include a deeper understanding of the laws and regulations that govern the relationships between individuals and nations.

Through the study of law, students acquire strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to understand complex legal systems. It also opens up career opportunities in vital professions such as law practice, the judiciary, or in government and international sectors.

Also read: Studying Law in Turkey: Costs, Subjects, and Universities

Goals of the Law Major

The goals of the law major revolve around enabling students to understand the laws and systems that govern societies and preparing them to become professionals capable of effectively applying the law in various contexts.

Here are the key goals of the law major:

• Comprehensive Understanding of Legal Systems: Teaching students how to understand the various laws and regulations that govern relationships between individuals and institutions.
• Practical Application of the Law: Training students on how to use laws in practical life, whether through courts or legal consultations.
• Dispute Resolution: Empowering students to develop skills in resolving legal disputes peacefully and fairly, providing evidence-based legal solutions.
• Promoting Justice: Encouraging students to adhere to legal ethics and contribute to achieving justice within society.
• Legal Issue Analysis: Developing students’ legal analytical skills, enabling them to examine cases in-depth and understand the details before offering advice or defense.
• Protecting Rights: Focusing on the protection of individual and collective rights through laws and regulations, while working to enhance social justice.

These goals ensure the graduation of highly professional and socially responsible legal professionals, ready to face legal challenges in their communities.

Course Subjects for the Law Major

The course subjects in the law major aim to provide a comprehensive and specialized understanding of laws and judicial systems, with a focus on enhancing students’ analytical and legal skills. These subjects may vary between universities, but they share a set of core courses that form the backbone of law studies

Here are the course subjects for the law major:

• Introduction to Law: Introduces students to the basic concepts of law, judicial systems, and legal terminology.
• Constitutional Law: Focuses on the study of national constitutions and how governmental powers are organized and their relationship with individuals.
• Civil Law: Covers laws governing relationships between individuals, such as contracts, property, and civil liability.
• Criminal Law: Studies laws related to crimes, penalties, and criminal investigation and trial procedures.
• Commercial Law: Discusses laws that regulate business activities, companies, and bankruptcy.
• Administrative Law: Focuses on organizing relationships between individuals and public authorities, and the role of government agencies.
• Family Law: Studies issues related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and lineage.
• Labor Law: Covers rights and obligations related to employment relationships, both for workers and employers.
• Public International Law: Addresses laws that govern relations between countries, such as international treaties and human rights.
• Private International Law: Deals with legal disputes involving a foreign party, such as nationality issues and resolving conflicts between national laws.
• Islamic Jurisprudence (for countries that adopt it): Studies Sharia-related rulings concerning laws and regulations.

Duration and Language of Study for the Law Major

The duration of studying law typically takes four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree at most universities worldwide. This period may vary slightly depending on the educational system in the country or if the program requires additional practical training or intensive courses.

As for the language of study, it depends on the official language of the country. In Arab countries, the law is typically taught in Arabic, while in Western countries, it is often taught in English or other languages. Some universities offer programs in multiple languages to meet the needs of the job market.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Law

Like other fields, the law major has advantages that attract many students, but it also presents some challenges that students should be aware of before making the decision to study it. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages helps students make an informed decision that aligns with their academic and professional path.

Advantages of Studying Law

Studying law offers students a range of benefits that make it an excellent choice for those aspiring to gain a deeper understanding of the law and apply it in practical life.

Based on this, here are the main advantages of studying law that make it an important and impactful path for a student’s professional and personal life:

• Multiple Career Opportunities: Studying law opens doors to careers in fields such as law practice, the judiciary, arbitration, legal consulting, and working in government and international organizations.
• Direct Societal Impact: Lawyers and legal advisors play a crucial role in protecting individual rights and promoting justice in society, making them part of resolving disputes and achieving stability.
• Development of Analytical and Critical Skills: Studying laws and understanding legislative texts helps students develop critical thinking and strong analytical skills, which are essential for solving complex problems.
• Prestigious Social Status: Legal professions are among the most prestigious and respected careers in society, boosting graduates’ self-confidence and providing opportunities for influence.
• Continuous Development Opportunities: Law is constantly changing and evolving, providing lawyers and advisors with ongoing opportunities to learn new laws and develop their skills in various areas

Disadvantages of Studying Law

Like any academic field, studying law comes with its own challenges that students must be prepared to face.

These challenges are not necessarily disadvantages, but rather natural aspects of any student’s journey toward excellence and development in their field. By being aware of these challenges, students can overcome them and turn them into opportunities for learning and growth.

Here are the main disadvantages or challenges of studying law:

• Intensive Curriculum: Law studies require a lot of reading and analysis of long and complex legal texts. Students may find this overwhelming, but with time and practice, the ability to handle legal details becomes one of the most important skills of a professional lawyer.
• Long Duration: After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, further training or passing professional exams may be required before practicing law. This long path can seem difficult, but it is necessary to build strong experience and ensure full readiness to practice law effectively.
• High Competition: The job market in law can be very competitive, as many graduates vie for the same positions. However, this competition encourages students to develop additional skills, such as negotiation and persuasion, which enhance their chances of success.
• Psychological Pressure: Legal work can be stressful due to the responsibility and workload, but this pressure helps develop self-discipline and the ability to make the right decisions in critical situations.

Also read: Costs of Studying Law at Istanbul Aydın University, Admission Requirements, and Benefits.

An Overview of the Political Science Major

When talking about the political science major, many may wonder: What makes this major unique or important in the current era? Simply put, political science is not just the study of political events, but an attempt to understand how political decisions are made and how policies affect societies and individuals.

When you choose to study political science, you are not only learning about different political systems or how governments operate, but you also delve into understanding international relations, how countries interact with each other, and how power is distributed within societies.

If you are someone who aspires to influence politics or understand the mechanisms that govern relations between nations and societies, political science could be the ideal choice for you.

We recommend reading: Studying Political Science in Turkey: Universities, Costs, and Requirements.

Goals of the Political Science Major

The political science major aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of political systems and the interactions between states and institutions. Throughout their studies, students acquire a range of skills and knowledge that help them analyze and understand both local and international political realities.

Here are the main goals the political science major seeks to achieve:

• Understanding Political Systems: Studying how governments and political institutions operate at local and international levels, and understanding the interaction between different political authorities.
• Public Policy Analysis: Developing skills to analyze policies that affect individuals and communities, and assessing how these policies impact economic growth and social stability.
• Engagement with International Issues: Understanding the dynamics that govern relations between countries, and how diplomacy and international relations impact global peace and security.
• Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Enhancing students’ ability to critically analyze political events and social issues, while providing balanced insights into complex matters.
• Preparing Political Leaders and Analysts: Equipping students to take on leadership roles in governments, international organizations, and research centers, with the ability to propose effective solutions to political and social problems.
• Promoting Awareness of Social Issues: Enabling students to understand global political challenges such as human rights, sustainable development, and international conflicts, and contributing to the development of innovative solutions.

Curriculum for the Political Science Major

The curriculum for the political science major focuses on understanding political systems, analyzing public policies and international relations, studying political dynamics, and engaging with complex global issues.

Here are the key courses covered in the political science major:

• Introduction to Political Science: A foundational course that introduces the basic concepts and theories in political science, such as power, the state, and democracy.
• Political Theory: Studying political thought from classical philosophers like Plato and Aristotle to contemporary theorists, to understand the evolution of political ideas over time.
• Comparative Political Systems: Analyzing different political systems around the world, including democracy and authoritarian systems, to understand how various governments function.
• International Relations: Studying interactions between states and international organizations, analyzing conflicts, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
• Public Policy: Focusing on how policies are made and implemented in areas such as education, health, and economics, while evaluating their impact on society.
• International Law: Studying the laws that govern relations between states, including treaties and international agreements, with a focus on human rights and humanitarian law.
• Political Economy: Understanding the relationship between politics and economics, and how political decisions affect both domestic and global economies.
• Public Administration and Public Policy: Focusing on how government institutions are managed and how public policies are implemented and evaluated.
• Political Parties and Elections: Studying the role of political parties in democracies and the impact of elections on the formation of governments and policies.

Duration and Language of Study for the Political Science Major

The political science major typically takes four years to complete a bachelor’s degree at most universities worldwide.
The language of instruction for political science depends on the official language of the country. In Arab countries, it is often taught in Arabic, while in Western countries it is typically taught in English or other languages. Some universities offer programs in multiple languages to meet the needs of international students.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Political Science

When considering studying political science, it is important to understand the benefits and challenges you may face. This major is not just about studying political systems, but also provides a deeper understanding of the world and public policies. However, like any field, it has its advantages and challenges.

In the following sections, we will review the main advantages and disadvantages of studying political science to help you make an informed decision

Advantages of Studying Political Science:

• Deep Understanding of Global Politics and Systems: The major helps you understand how different governments and political systems operate at both local and international levels.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: The major offers various career fields such as diplomacy, international organizations, research centers, and political media.
• Development of Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: The major enhances students’ ability to think critically and analyze policies and complex issues.
• Engagement with Global Issues: The major gives you the ability to understand and influence international political issues, such as human rights and global security.

Disadvantages of Studying Political Science:

• Competitive Job Market: Jobs in fields like diplomacy and politics can be highly competitive, requiring additional distinction to succeed.
• Theoretical Nature: The major is heavily based on theories, and students may face challenges in applying them practically without training and hands-on experience.
• Unclear Career Path: It may be difficult to define a clear career path after graduation, compared to other professional majors.
• Influence of Political Factors: Jobs in this field are strongly affected by political and economic conditions, which may impact job stability

Also Read: Political Science and Public Administration Studies at Istanbul Kent University

What are the Roles of a Law and Political Science Specialist?

Both law and political science specialists carry significant responsibilities and play crucial roles in society. A law specialist works to ensure justice and apply the law, while a political science specialist focuses on analyzing policies and shaping decisions that impact public affairs.

Here are the main roles of law and political science specialists:

Roles of a Law Specialist:

• Providing legal advice to individuals and businesses.
• Representing clients in court and defending their rights.
• Drafting and reviewing contracts and legal agreements.
• Resolving disputes through negotiation or legal procedures.
• Participating in the formulation and review of legislation and laws.

Roles of a Political Science Specialist:

• Analyzing public policies and evaluating their impact on society.
• Studying and assessing various political systems.
• Conducting political research on local and international issues.
• Working in diplomacy and negotiations between countries.
• Contributing to policy planning and decision-making in governments and institutions.

These roles highlight the importance of both disciplines in supporting legal and political stability and shaping the future of societies.

What are the Career Fields and Opportunities for Law Graduates?

Law graduates have numerous career opportunities spanning legal, commercial, and governmental fields, as they acquire legal skills and knowledge that qualify them for various roles.

Here are the main career fields and opportunities for law graduates:

• Law Practice: Law graduates can work as lawyers, either in private practices or law firms, where they defend clients and represent them in various legal matters
• Judiciary: Some graduates may pursue a career in the judiciary after passing the required exams and training, becoming judges who manage court sessions and issue rulings.
• Legal Consulting: Graduates can work as legal advisors in private companies or government institutions, providing legal counsel and ensuring that business activities comply with the law.
• Public Prosecution: There is an opportunity to work as public prosecutors, representing the state in criminal cases and handling investigations and prosecutions against defendants.
• Arbitration and Dispute Resolution: Graduates can specialize in resolving disputes amicably through arbitration or mediation outside the courts.
• Working in Governmental and International Organizations: There are opportunities to work in ministries, government institutions, and international organizations like the United Nations, offering legal consultations or participating in the creation of legal policies.

What are the Career Fields and Opportunities for Political Science Graduates?

Here are the main career fields and opportunities for Political Science graduates:

• Working in Government Institutions: Graduates can work in ministries and government agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they contribute to the development of public policies and local and international political planning
• Diplomacy and International Relations: Graduates have the opportunity to work as diplomats in embassies and consulates, representing their countries abroad and participating in international negotiations.
• International Organizations: There are opportunities to work in organizations like the United Nations, the European Union, or NGOs, in fields such as human rights, international security, and sustainable development.
• Research Centers and Political Studies: Graduates can work in think tanks and research centers to analyze policies, conduct studies, and provide evidence-based recommendations on political and social issues.
• Political Media and Journalism: Political Science graduates can work as political analysts or journalists specializing in political affairs, providing in-depth coverage and analysis of political events.

Comparison Between Law and Political Science Majors

Here is the following table that provides a comprehensive comparison between the Law and Political Science majors:

Which is better: Law or Political Science?

When choosing a university major, students often face an important question: Which is better, Law or Political Science? To answer this question, one should consider the student’s interests, career goals, and future plans.

Each major has its own advantages and serves different professional paths. Here are some points that highlight the difference between the two majors and help you make the right decision:

Law Major:

• Suitable for those interested in law and its application to resolve disputes and defend rights.
• Provides opportunities to work as a lawyer, judge, or legal consultant.
• Focuses on the study of legal systems, legislation, and the protection of individual and collective rights.

Political Science Major:

• Ideal for those interested in understanding political systems, analyzing public policies, and studying international relations.
• Provides opportunities to work in diplomacy, research centers, and international organizations.
• Focuses on analyzing global political issues, evaluating policies, and assessing their impact on societies.

If you need further guidance or have questions about the best educational options for you, don’t hesitate to contact Directly via WhatsApp for specialized advice and comprehensive support to help you make the best decision.