Undergraduate Programs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I learn more about the major and the minor?
A. Information about the major is available online. Majors click here. Minors click here. Students are also welcome to drop by the undergraduate counseling office, room 222 Thompson Hall, for information (printed information is also available outside the office door).
Q. Where do I go for academic advising?
A. The answer depends on what you want to know: if you have questions about your general education requirements, then you should go to Machmer E-24; if you have questions about your global education requirements, then you should go to Machmer E-20 for advising; if you have any questions about your major, then you should see your faculty adviser or our undergraduate counselor in room 222, Thompson Hall. The counselor’s hours are posted on the door, or you may call the counseling office at (413) 545-3695. You can reference our contact sheet.
Q. Should I speak with my faculty advisor or the undergraduate counselor?
A1. The answer to this question also depends on what
you would like to know. In general, the undergraduate counselor is
there to assist you with administrative issues, such as:
- Signing up for the major
- Adding or withdrawing from courses (when SPIRE is no longer an option)
- Checking on your degree progress
- Prior approval of courses to be taken abroad or at other colleges
- Final transfer of political science courses taken at other colleges
- Removing holds on your record, and other general administrative issues within the major
A2. Your faculty advisor is more helpful with academic questions or concerns:
- Course selection
- Independent study or honors projects
- Letters of recommendation
- General academic questions
Q. How do I know who my faculty advisor is?
A. The department keeps a list of advisor assignments on the door of the counseling office, room 222, Thompson Hall. If your name is not there, inform the undergraduate counselor or Barb Ciesluk (room 218, Thompson Hall) and they will assign a faculty advisor.
Q. How do I declare a Political Science major?
A. You should see the undergraduate counselor in room 222 or Barb Ciesluk in room 218, Thompson Hall.
Q. With whom do I speak about study abroad and exchange programs?
A. The university offers many programs for foreign
study and for study at colleges and universities within the United
States. You should begin by visiting the International
Programs Office before discussing your plans further with your
faculty advisor. In addition, see the
political science study abroad section for more information, including
a list of foreign schools with political science courses.
Q. With whom do I speak about internships?
A. Internships are an invaluable way to gain experience in politics before you graduate; they are also a wonderful way to make contacts that will serve you well after graduation. You should first see the undergraduate counselor in room 222, Thompson Hall for general information before arranging an appointment with our internship coordinator, Professor LaRaja. Click here for more information on the process.
Q. How do I pursue an honors degree in political science?
A. The honors track in political science is available only to Commonwealth College students. Click here for more information on our program. Honors program coordinator, Professor Einhorn, can be reached via email: Eric Einhorn
Q. What extracurricular activities does the department offer?
A. While not technically run by the department, political science students nevertheless have several opportunities:
- Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, has an active chapter on campus.
- The International Relations Club, “dedicated to the study of international relations, foreign policy, and world affairs,” is a popular student-run organization.
- Model UN is a United Nations simulation held at campuses across the region. A large group of UMass Amherst students attend these simulations, where together or in teams they play out diplomatic roles for the countries they are assigned—a valuable way to learn more about international affairs. Contact the International Relations Club for more information.
Q. With whom do I speak about law school?
A. The best source for help in planning a graduate degree in law is the pre-law advising office on campus. They are located at E-26 Machmer and can be reached at (413) 577-0396. Their website is also a great source of information.
