Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update my major or minor?
Email your advisor and let them know what changes you would like to make. Political Science majors should contact:
Ebony Dawkins: endawkns@memphis.edu
Jeff Leedham: jleedham@memphis.edu
If you are new to the department and would like to declare a major or minor in Political Science, please send an email to polsadvising@memphis.edu
When can I register for classes?
Check the U of M鈥檚 Semester Dates & Deadline Calendar found here: /registrar/calendars/
How do I register for classes?
Follow the instructions found here: /registrar/register/
What is an 鈥淎lternate PIN,鈥� and can you give me one?
The 鈥淎lternate PIN鈥� is the clearance code that allows you to register for classes. This can only be entered by your academic advisor. In or to have your Alternate PIN cleared you will need to meet with your Academic Advisor.
Can I drop a class?
Well, it depends. First, check the U of M鈥檚 Semester Dates & Deadline Calendar found here: /registrar/calendars/
There are two deadlines to know about. The first is the 鈥淒rop鈥� deadline. This comes early in the semester. It is the last day that you can remove a class from your schedule without the change appearing on your transcript. You can still 鈥淲ithdraw鈥� from a class up until the withdrawal deadline. If you withdraw from a course, the class will still appear on your transcript with a 鈥淲鈥� grade entered. A 鈥淲鈥� has no impact on your GPA.
If it is after the withdrawal deadline, you will need to seek a Late / Retroactive Withdrawal.
- More information on that can be found here: /registrar/students/records/late-retroactive-withdrawal.php
Note: Dropping or withdrawing from any course can impact your financial aid. Be sure to consult the Final Aid office before you take any action.
- You can contact them here: /financialaid/contact/index.php
Do I really have to take _____?
Chances are, if you鈥檙e asking this question, 鈥淵es.鈥� If you feel you might be able to test out of a course, you can always try taking a CLEP exam instead.
- Information on CLEP exams can be found here: /testing/services/clep.php
Do I really have to take a foreign language?
Yes. The College of Arts and Sciences requires all students earning a B.A. to complete a foreign language through the Intermediate level (2020).
If you are already fluent in another language or think you might be able to test into a higher-level foreign language, you may take a Language Placement Test instead.
- Information can be found here: /wll/student-resources/placement-testing.php
What scholarships are available?
First, be sure you have completed your FAFSA and applied for financial aid.
- You can find a complete list of scholarships offered by the University of Memphis
here: /scholarships/
Does the Department of Political Science offer any scholarships?
In fact, we do. The Lisa Huffstetler Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually.
- For more information click here:
What internships are available?
Lots. Check out TigerLink to find internship and career opportunities.
- Information can be found here: /careerservices/tigerlink.php
The department of Political Science also has several internship opportunities available to students.
- You can find more information on those here: /polisci/internships/index.php
I鈥檓 interested in Law School. What should I do?
Many of our students are interested in pursuing a career in law. We offer Pre-Law advising and can help you get ready form Law School.
- First, check out the PreLaw Handbook available here: /cas/pre-professional-archive/documents/pre-law-student-guide2017-18.pdf
- Also, consider adding a minor in Legal Thought. You can learn more here:
What should I minor in?
Well, that鈥檚 really up to you. Your minor should both correspond to your interests and career goals. Here is a list of some common minors Political Science students often pursue.
- African & African American Studies: Minor:
- Anthropology
- Asian Studies
- Classical Studies
- Criminal Justice
- History
- International & Global Studies
- Legal Thought & Liberal Arts:
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Women鈥檚 & Gender Studies
I want to study abroad. How do I do it?
There is an entire division here at the U of M that wants to help you. First, check out the program opportunities available here: /abroad/programs/
And, once you鈥檝e found the program that looks right for you, contact the study abroad office.
When should I file my application for graduation?
Students can apply for graduation up to one year in advance of their planned graduation date, or once they have completed 90 credit hours. Be sure to get your application in prior to the deadline.
- You can find important dates related to commencement here: /commencement/apply/deadlines.php
How do I file my intent to graduate?
Follow the instructions found here: /commencement/apply/
If you have additional questions, email polsadvising@memphis.edu