Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply/declare my major as PSCI?
Visit the main office in 3308 Friedmann Hall to fill out a declaration form. At that time you will be assigned to a faculty advisor. There are no requirements to enroll in the major or concentrations, but only coursework with a "C" or better counts toward degree requirements in the major.
- I am a new major or minor. What courses should I take first?
First: PSCI 2000 National Government and PSCI 2400 Introduction to Comparative Politics or PSCI 2500 International Relations 6-7 hours
Second (in any order): any political theory course (PSCI 3600-3630), any comparative politics course (PSCI 3400-3500 or 4400-4420), and any American politics elective (PSCI 3000-PSCI 3250. PSCI 3200 is recommended for students interested in law school). 10-11 hours
Third: additional courses will depend on your concentration (American Public Policy, International and Comparative Politics. Public Law, or Standard major). See your faculty advisor to select these courses. 9-12 hours.
Last: Second semester junior or senior year (in any order) PSCI 3660 Scope and Methods and/or PSCI 3950 Quantitative Methods and PSCI 4940 (or other writing intensive course - 4050, 4210, 4500) 6-9 hours
- How do I get advising in the major or minor?
Visit the main office in Friedmann Hall 3308. You will be assigned to a faculty advisor depending on your concentration. Visit the faculty advisor during his/her office hours. The office coordinator can also review course offerings and scheduling in the major and minor.
- How do I get a major or minor slip for a graduation audit?
Visit your faculty advisor. If you do not have an advisor or if your advisor is unavailable, see the department chair, John Clark, in the main office or contact him via
- I am a PSCI major - what should I minor in?
We have minors in over 40 different programs: the largest number are in History, Spanish, Arabic, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Communications, Philosophy, Global and International Studies, Russian, Psychology, Business, French, and English.
- What courses should I consider outside the major?
For the American Public Policy concentration, we recommend a minor or additional coursework in Economics or Accounting. Talk to your advisor about courses that might be appropriate for your major/minor combination.
- How do I sign up for the Mock Trial program?
Contact the Mock Trial Coach,
- How do I apply for the Capital Intern program?
Contact the Capital Internship program director, . To learn more about the Capital Intern program visit the Internships in Michgian FAQ page.
- How can I find out about study abroad?
Check out the Study Abroad PDF
- How can I get involved?
The department brings in scholars, diplomats, policymakers, and alumni several times each term. Look for announcements about upcoming events on the Political Science website. Attend these events, meet other students in the major, talk to faculty.
Check out Mock Trial, our internship program, or study abroad opportunities. Students who participate in these programs recommend this type of out-of-classroom experience as a way to apply the skills learned in the major.
- How do I graduate with honors?
To graduate with honors in Political Science, you must complete an honors thesis under the supervision of a faculty member, maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and a major GPA of 3.5 or higher. The best way to approach the honors thesis is to take your writing-intensive course (4940, 4500, 4050, 4210) well in advance of graduation and use one of the major writing assignments from that course as the basis for a thesis. You will register for Honors Thesis credit (PSCI 4900) in your final term. Find more information and a form to apply for Honors.
- How do I join the Political Science Honors Society, Pi Sigma Alpha?
Invitations are sent to qualifying juniors and seniors in January of each academic year. If you meet the qualifications you will receive an invitation.
- How do I find out what texts are required for the course?
If you would like to see the textbooks required for an upcoming PSCI course, go to WMU textbook information. Scroll to the BOTTOM of the linked page, select the current or upcoming term, and select the appropriate course.
- How do I apply for scholarships and awards?
Visit the scholarships and awards page for information about the 14 named scholarships awarded each spring in the department.
- What kind of job can I get with a degree in political science?
There is no fixed career path for students with a political science degree. In a series of surveys of alumni conducted in 2002 and 2003, we collected the job titles of our alumni: advisor, ambassador, archivist, attorney, budget analyst, campaign consultant, campaign field staff, city planner, consumer advocate, foreign service officer, fundraiser, high school government teacher, international correspondent, issue analyst, judge, labor relations specialist, labor union official, legislative coordinator, lobbyist, mediator, nongovernmental organization activist, paralegal, policy analyst, political consultant, political reporter, politician, pollster, press officer, program director, public affairs specialist, public policy analyst, reporter, research analyst, researcher, risk analyst, state legislator, survey researcher, tax inspector.
- Who do I talk to about jobs and career placement?
Talk to your advisor and visit Ewa Urban in Career and Placement Services - see the Political Science Placement information. WMU career services staff have extensive experience with and training in assisting with applications for federal jobs - use that expertise in your job search!
- What about graduate school?
PSCI undergraduates considering graduate school have several options. Our undergraduates continue in law school, masters or PhD programs in public administration, public policy, international development administration, health care administration, economics, and political science. If you are interested in graduate work and want to discuss your options, see your advisor or the department chair, John Clark.
- I am interested in law school? Which type of PSCI major is the best for me?
There is no one "way" to get into law school. In the political science department we have a Public Law concentration if you're interested in pursuing a focused study of law and judicial politics. But, whether or not your enroll in the Public Law concentration, taking courses both within Political Science and elsewhere (such as in the English, Philosophy, and History Departments) in which you are required to read a lot, write a lot, and think critically will help with both your law school preparation and the application process. Consider joining the Pre-Law Society and attending advising and information sessions hosted by the society.
- I took a PSCI course at a different school, but it's just showing up as general credit. How can I make it PSCI credit?
Contact the department chair in the main office. The department can submit a letter to the credit evaluators in the Office of Admissions to bring in your course as a WMU Political Science equivalent. Bring a course description or syllabus when you visit the office to meet with the department chair.
- Does the PSCI office have any student jobs available?
Yes, we have student jobs available for students who have been awarded Work Study through Financial Aid. There are a limited number of jobs each semester. Please stop in the office and ask to speak to the office coordinator for more information.