FAQs

How do I declare a Political Science major or minor?

Once you have met the prerequisites, make an appointment with a Political Science advisor to declare.

What is a release and how do I get one?

A release is a way for the department to tell the college auditors that you are done with the major or almost done with a list of remaining requirements. We encourage students to make an appointment for a release before registering for their final term to make sure they are taking the correct courses.

What subfields does this Political Science course fall under?

Each term, we publish a Subfield Guide that lists every Political Science course and its corresponding subfield. Expect to see this published on the Advising page of the Political Science website around the same time that the LSA Course Guide goes live.

Can I take POLSCI 389 and 489 multiple times?

Yes, as long as the topics are different students are able to take 389 and 489 for up to 12 credits each.

I took a course that was listed as meeting a certain subfield but it is not showing up under my breadth requirement in my Unofficial Audit Checklist.

Some newer courses are not programmed to automatically meet subfield requirements in the system. Send an email to polsci-advisor@umich.edu and we can write a manual override to the requirement.

I cannot enroll in a course because it is full/I do no meet the pre-requisites. Can I get an override?

Our full waitlist policy can be found here. Only instructors are able to approve overrides beyond waitlist order.

I have AP or transfer credit for one of the pre-requisite courses, can this be counted as one of my prerequisite courses?

Yes! If the course came in as equivalent credit (i.e. listed on your transcript as POLSCI 101, POLSCI 111, POLSCI 140, or POLSCI 160) then it will automatically count as one of your prerequistes. If the course transferred in as Departmental Credit (e.g. POLSCI 101X or POLSCI 201X), send the syllabus to polsci-advisor@umich.edu for review. A 3 or above on the AP U.S. Government & Politics exam and the A.P. Comparative Government & Politics exam provide credit for POLSCI 111 and POLSCI 140 respectively.

I am studying abroad or transferred in, how do I get courses approved towards my major/minor?

Once you have the syllabi for the courses you are going to take, send them to polsci-advisor@umich.edu for approval. This approval can be provided before you leave. The limits to using study abroad/transfer coursework are: 12 credits in the Political Science major and 2 courses in the Political Science minor.

Can I take this course pass/fail?

No. Any course taken in the department of a major or minor, including prerequisties and any courses not being used for the requirements of the major, must be taken for a letter grade.

I have a question about my LSA requirements (e.g. distribution, ULWR, language requirement).

Political Science advisors can only advise on Political Science requirements. For questions about your college-level requirements, even if it involves a Political Science course, speak with your general advisor (e.g. Newnan, Honors, CSP).

Do you have any research opportunities available for undergraduates in the department?

The Department of Political Science does not have a database of research opportunities, however, students can provide their information to the department through this form and faculty members who are searching for research assistants will have access to submissions and will reach out to students individually with opportunities.

We also encourage students to reach out to department faculty whose fields of research line up with the student's interests and inquire whether the faculty member needs any assistance with their research or if they are willing to guide a student through an independent research project. If you have secured a research opportunity,  you can receive POLSCI credit through POLSCI 383: Political Science Research Opportunity or POLSCI 384: Directed Studies. 

Students who have an overall and major GPA of 3.5 and have completed POLSCI 381 can apply for the Political Science Honors Major. Students should prepare for the program by taking POLSCI 381 in their sophomore or junior year. Frequently asked questions about the Honors major can be found here.

Outside of the department, the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) provides opportunities for students to engage in research and creative projects with research mentors representing all 19 colleges/schools/units at U-M with its own funding support available.

Are there any opportunities to publish my research?

Our undergraduate political science & law journals offer a terrific opportunity for student's original research to be published and circulated. These student organizations are:

• Michigan Journal for Political Science
• Michigan Undergraduate Law Review

Beyond these groups, there are many more opportunities within the University of Michigan and beyond.

Are there any funding opportunities to help me conduct my research?

Yes! All Political Science majors and minors are eligible to apply for up to $500 through our Academic Experience Fund. Students working on their Honors Thesis are able to apply for funds from the Gerstein Family Research Stipend

What can I do to better my chances of admission?

Students are admitted to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts through the general University of Michigan application - students do not apply directly to specific majors or departments. Because of this, we have no say in undergraduate admissions decisions or standards. All admissions related questions should be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

What can I do with a Political Science major?

Too many things to list. Students have gone on to attend graduate programs or go straight into the workforce in a wide variety of fields. To learn more about the skills gained through a Political Science major and what can be done with those skills, visit the U-M Career Center's website.

I will be visiting campus - would I be able to meet with anyone in the Political Science department?

Absolutely! Contact our Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Alice Austin (adodd@umich.edu), who can work with you to schedule a meeting! 

I am not visiting campus but would still like to meet with someone in the department - is that possible?

Yes! Our Undergraduate Program Coordinator is also available to meet virtually or speak with you over the phone. Email Alice (adodd@umich.edu) to schedule a conversation.

How do I get more involved with the department?

The best way to get involved is to join one of our student organizations. With so many options available there is something for everyone.

• The Undergraduate Political Science Association (UPSA) hosts events and workshops designed to facilitate a better understanding of politics and political issues on campus as well as to get to know the Political Science faculty in a smaller, more intimate setting. It is very easy to join UPSA - just email akilkasu@umich.edu to be added to their mailing list.

• The Michigan Journal of Political Science is a student-run peer reviewed publication with the goal of discussing current issues and topics in the field of Political Science through highlighting undergraduate work in a non-partisan and academic manner. Students can join MJPS through applying to be an editor or by submitting a paper for their bi-annual publication. 

• The Michigan Undergraduate Law Review (MULR) provides undergraduate students interested in careers in law, academic, and policy the opportunity to publish long-form articles on topics in legal scholarship. At the beginning of the Fall and Winter semesters, MULR recruits new staff writers, copy editors, and research editors. Submissions are accepted until December 1 for the Winter issue and April 1 for the Spring issue.

• Pi Sigma Alpha-Alpha Upsilon is the University’s chapter of the Pi Sigma Alpha national honor society. Not only do members gain access to all of the member benefits and resources provided through the national honor society but the local chapter provides members with opportunities to grow professionally and academically as well as get to know like-minded scholars. Membership in Pi Sigma Alpha requires an application which typically is opened each Fall semester.

If you have not yet declared and want to stay up to date on the news we are sending to our students, you can join our newsletter mailing list. This newsletter gets sent out every week during Fall and Winter semesters and once a month over Spring and Summer.