Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

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Why should I see an academic advisor?

  • Working with an academic advisor in Political Science can ensure that you are familiar with the program, pre-professional and University requirements and are taking courses which will apply to your desired course of study.
  • Advisors can assist with choosing and changing an academic program or major; preparing for professional school; and locating appropriate campus resources for career exploration or to address a variety of issues and problems.

When do I need to see a Political Science Advisor?

  • declaring the major or minor
  • considering what major/minor to choose, but requiring specific details about the requirements in a given major/minor before making your decision
  • deciding between different programs within the same department (for example Political Science or Public Law and Government)
  • making substitutions in prerequisite or program courses
  • choosing cognates
  • mapping out a way to fit in all the courses you need to graduate

What majors are offered in the Political Science Department?

  • Political Science
  • Political Science for Secondary education
  • Public Administration
  • Public Law and Government
  • Public Safety Administration

What minors are offered in the Political Science Department?

  • Political Science
  • Political Science for Secondary, K-12, and Special Education-Secondary
  • Public Administration
  • Public Law and Government
  • Nonprofit Administration

Can I get a Pre-law degree from the Political Science Department?

There is no degree in Pre-Law. Most law schools require a bachelor's degree and evidence of potential for law school as measured by grade point average and the results of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

The Political Science Department supports the Pre-Law Advising Center and offers students a Pre-professional Program in Pre-law. This program provides students with a program of study appropriate to a legal career and to maintaining a high level of academic performance.

The majors most commonly selected by Pre-law students are political science, economics, history and sociology.

Who are the advisors in the Political Science Department?

  • All faculty are responsible for student advising during their regular office hours or by appointment.
  • Charles Monsma, Professor
    Advising and Questions
  • Barry Pyle, Associate Professor
    Pre-Law Advisor
  • S. Dogan (Don) Koyluoglu
    Coordinator, Master of Public Administration Program
  • Joseph (Joe) Ohren, Professor
    Director, Master of Public Administration Program
  • Edward Sidlow, Professor
    Honors Program Advisor

Do I have to follow the program of study that was in the catalog I came in on when I started at EMU?

You can always use the initial catalog requirements in place when you entered EMU. However you may also use any subsequent ones. Make sure that you see an advisor to ensure that you complete all the degree requirements.

What is the difference between graduating with departmental honors and general education honors?

  • You need 12 hours of honors classes or contracts in Political Science to graduate with Departmental Honors.
  • For General Education Honors you need 18 hours of honors classes in General Education courses.

Can I take the honors political science course PLSC 113 if I am not an honors student?

Only students enrolled and in good standing in the Honors Program can take PLSC 113.

Can an independent study course be used as a honors course?

An independent study course can be used as an honors course if a student has permission from the instructor and signs an honors contract.

If I have a political science class that is required for my major in another department can I also use it for my minor in Political Science?

No you cannot count a course used in your major area in you minor area as well. See an advisor so that your program of study may be adjusted appropriately and you can graduate on schedule.

I've transferred from another college. How do I find out which of my classes will apply to political science degree at EMU?

  • You can bring a course catalog from your previous college to Political Science advising and the courses can be compared to ones offered at EMU.
  • If you took the courses in a college or university in Michigan you can also use the EMU Transfer Equivalency Database to determine what courses they are equivalent to at EMU. The database can be accessed at http://insight.emich.edu/Students/RecNReg/TranEquiv/index.cfm.

At my previous university I was not required to take an introductory course in American Government but have taken several other political science courses. Do I have to take the introductory course at EMU?

All students are required to take Political Science 112 or 113 American Government if they have not taken an introductory American Government course at a prior institution.

Should I bring anything to my advising session?

  • Bring updated transcripts to verify any changes that need to be made in your program.
  • Make a list of questions you need answers to and possible courses for the following term.
  • Be prepared to discuss details of your academic performance.
  • Bring your appointment calendar or planner for future appointments.