Advising for Political Science Majors

General Information

This webpage provides information for students majoring in political science seeking academic and career advice. It includes information on

• Meeting with your adviser

• Advising during the pre-registration period

You might also want to consult

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about advising and political science major requirements; read these if you have questions about writing-intensive courses, foreign language requirements, etc.

• A suggested academic plan of study for political science majors

• Some suggestions for how to read your transcript

• Requirements for a major and a minor in political science.

• Information about political science internships

• More about independent study and senior thesis

Do You Need to Meet with Your Adviser?

All political science majors are assigned a faculty adviser once they reach their sophomore year. (Freshman are advised by the College Advising Center. If you are a freshman, visit their web page for information about advising).

You can find out who your adviser is through 49er Express. Advisers are available throughout the academic year to answer questions about selecting courses, planning and monitoring your academic progress, and career and graduate school choices. If you wish to meet with your adviser, drop by during his or her office hours, or  email your adviser to make an appointment. If you seek academic advising for issues such as selecting class or reviewing progress towards graduation, come to your meeting prepared by filling out this form that describes the political science major requirements. If you have questions about General Education requirements, also fill out this form and bring it to your advising meeting. Your adviser will not meet with you until you have completed these forms.

Pre-Registration Advising

Many students seek advising before they register for the next semester. The political science department offers extra advising support during this period. Registration for summer and fall 2009 begins on March 30. You should arrange to see your adviser before this date.

Students majoring in Political Science who have earned 80 or more credit hours MUST see a political science adviser before registering for the fall. You will not be allowed to register until you have been advised. Other students are not required to seek advising but are welcome to do so if they have questions about their academic progress. Freshmen students are advised by the College’s Advising Center.

Before meeting with an adviser, come prepared by looking up your transcript and filling out this form, which lists your political science major requirements. If you have questions about General Education requirements, also fill out this form and bring it to your advising meeting.

If you know your assigned adviser, contact him or her to make an appointment. Or drop by your adviser’s office during his or her office hours.