Department of Political Science, University of Michigan

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Frequently-asked Questions: Undergraduate Program

1) How can I see a concentration advisor?

Appointments for advisors are made in the main office, 5700 Haven Hall, or 764-6313.

2) When should I see a concentration advisor?

Minimally, you should see a concentration advisor when you declare the concentration, and when you need to be checked out for graduation. However, you are encouraged to see an advisor once a semester.

3) What are the requirements for concentrating in political science?

There are five main requirements for the major:

Two introductory courses in different political science fields (generally, 100 level, but certain upper-level courses may be counted towards this "prerequisite")
Political science courses in four different subfields, or areas, including the introductory courses (students are encouraged to develop a specialty "field" within political science); the fields are Political Theory, American Politics, Comparative Politics, World Politics, or Political Science Methodology.
24 upper-level credits of political science (mainly 300-level courses but including at least six hours of 400-level work);
Two upper-level cognate courses that enhance the student's program of study;
A student must have a 2.0 average, overall, as well as 2.0 average on the concentration (including cognates) to graduate.

There are two requirements for the minor: prerequisites and the minor program:

Pre-requisites: Two introductory courses in Political Science in different fields
Advanced work: at least 15 hours of advanced work in upper-level course work in these fields

4) What is a cognate?

A cognate is an upper level course in another discipline that enhances your course work in political science. The Department does not maintain a list of cognates, although advisors will accept upperlevel work in area studies, history, economics, anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy and communications, provided that it, in some way, complements your political science course work. Courses in natural resources, health policy, and social science (Residential College) might also be counted. When in doubt, check with an advisor. Cognates should be in the same department, unless approved by an advisor.

5) Is a student required to take an English Composition Course in Political Science?

A student may fulfill the upper level writing course in any discipline. A variety of courses are offered in Political Science each term to fulfill this requirement.

6) How do I join the Honors program in political science? ?

Students are only admitted to the honors program during the fall term of the junior year. The honors director will start this process by announcing a general mass meeting in September. Then a student can pick up an application (available 5719 Haven Hall). Last year's applications were due at the end of October. .

7) Is the honors program the only way of gaining distinction in political science?

A student will graduate with distinction (magna cum laude) with a grade point average above 3.5. The Department also certifies students for membership in affiliated honorary societies. Selection into one of these societies is posted on a student' s academic transcript. If you have a 3.3 overall average and a 3.5 average in political science, you may join Pi Sigma Alpha, the honorary society in political science, or Sigma Iota Rho, the honorary society in international relations. Applications are available 5719 Haven Hall during the academic year between October and February.

8) Is a student required to take a senior seminar?

You are not required to take a seminar, although it is encouraged. An undergraduate seminar allows students to work on independent research in a small class of 15 students.

9) How do I get credit for an internship?

There are two ways to get credit. One is to enroll for an internship seminar when it is offered. For instance, P.S. 591 is often offered as a local internship seminar during the Fall or Winter semester, and meets as a seminar in Washington D.C. as a summer course. The second is to develop a research project, based on the internship experience, jointly by the student and a political science faculty member. The details of the project are normally agreed upon before the student does the internship; then a student fills out the internship approval form (available at 5700 Haven Hall ) and has it signed by the faculty sponsor. The form is taken to the main office, 5700 Haven Hall, where a permission is issued. Students may also transfer internship courses taken at other universities.

10) How do l get a job as research assistant at the University?

The Department does not handle research assistantships. These are administered through the research centers on campus. You can get a list of these centers from the Campus Information Service desk at the Michigan Union. A good place for an undergraduate to start is by working with the telephone surveys in the Survey Research Center.

11) How do I obtain an internship?

An internship is a volunteer opportunity in the public sector. Consult local government offices for internships in Ann Arbor at the city, state or national level. There are numerous information guides on internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. as well as other locations. These internship directories are available at most public libraries. Also Career Planning and Placement runs the Public Sector Internship Program that places students in internships for the Spring/Summer term. Applications are due in September.

12) How do I get credit for a study abroad program?

If it is a Michigan program, it will automatically appear on your transcript. If not, it will be evaluated by credit evaluations in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions upon your return to Ann Arbor. If your study abroad program requires prior department approval, you will need to meet with an advisor during the academic year. When the credits are posted to your transcript, you should discuss them with a concentration advisor.