What career mixes physics and social science or law?

Question

I am a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park. I started school as a physics/engineering dual major but later changed to a political science/economics major. I changed majors because ive recently become interested in politics, along with the difference in rigor between the programs(politics is waaay easier). Now, However, im rethinking my decision; i flipped to the science channel last night and i remembered how much i love physics.

I dont want to give up the social sciences-i DROOL at the thought of law school; yet, i get very similar feelings when i think of theoretical physics. i could read and debate all day about politics the same way i could spend the whole day trying to understand the nature of black holes.

Finally, my question to the yahoo community: Does anyone know of a career that might have a mixture of both elements? I was thinking of a intellectual properties attorney, but i wonder about how much physics i actually would use. Can anyone help shed light?

Answer 1

IP law was my first thought, but that's engineering much more than it's physics.  But it would apply where people are seeking patents related to new semiconductor technology, photovoltaics, nanotech, and so on.  Keep studying in both areas as long as they both interest you and you do well.  When the time comes that you must choose one over the other, and you're still ambivalent, realize that you're not making a commitment for the rest of your life.  I know quite a few people who have made such dramatic career changes in midlife, and were very happy about it.  I personally think it would be much easier to switch to law mid-life than into physics.

Answer 2

Patent law or IP is the most technology-centered law field.  It isn't theoretical physics--it's applied.  But f you're queazy about rigor, that's probably good.  You shouldn't even bother with hard-core physics.  That's a very specialized field for which you need a PhD.  Non-geniuses need not apply.  You have to like calculus and differential equations and math.  Liking physics in the way it's presented on TV and in pop-lit isn't enough.  You have to like the math aspects of it.

To shed a little more light on your immediate decisions, I'll tell you one important thing.  College isn't about learning stuff.  It's about picking up fundamental skills.  To be an attorney, the fundamental skills you need are:

1) Ability to think and develop a compelling argument

2) Ability to express yourself verbally and in writing

3) Ability to do research to bolster your position

Thinking is the most important skill, and probably the hardest to pick up.  Math or hard science (not science for poets) courses are the best way to get that--to actually make yourself smarter.

Your humanities courses are going to give you better experience writing and doing research.

So choose your course of study with two things in mind:

1) What skills am I looking to develop

2) What subjects interest me.  Note that I didn't say what subjects will help me in the future.  The key is what subjects will hold your interest enough to help compel you to work hard and gain the skills you need.  Remember, it's not really about learning things.  That's just the gravy that helps keep you motivated as you're developing yourself.  If you go to law school, they will teach you everything you need to know about law.  Very little you learn as a poly sci or econ or math or physics or whatever major is going to matter.  To a lesser extent, they will teach you to do research.  So the important thing is to be able to think and to write.  And the law schools know this.  Have you looked at the LSAT?  A lot of it is like logic puzzles.  They want students that can think.  And it's the math-type courses give you the proper mental rigor you need.

Answer 3

Someone in politics that knows science would be interesting.  

Patent law is a possibility.

Maybe an attorney for environmental groups - lots of politics and science.

Answer 4

Consider one of the disciplines of forensic science

Answer 5

Unibomber.

Come on now....I nailed this one!