Penn State Department of Political Science

Undergraduate Advising

Preparing for an Advising Meeting

Political Science offers two majors: Political Science and International Politics.  Both offer opportunities for students to take challenging classes, participate in faculty research, study abroad, and work in rewarding internships. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities.

Our academic advisors in Political Science are Melissa Gayman and Mary Cameron.  It is good practice to visit with Mary and Melissa at least once a semester to ensure you are on track and taking appropriate coursework to obtain your future goals. We know your time can be quite limited so below are some recommendations to prepare for an advising meeting.

• Review the major degree requirements. If possible review a degree audit on eLion (Note: these audits are not the most up-to-date, but we will provide you with a current one during the meeting). From this you can develop specific questions
• Have your PSU ID number.
• Have your questions ready.
• Evaluate your academic and career goals. Knowing what you want in the future will help your advisor assess the courses you are taking or the option you are in.
• Take responsibility. It is up to you to follow through, including scheduling your courses or meeting with other departments like Career Services.

If you have particular questions about major recommendations, course substitutions, double usage courses, please do not hesitate to contact Mary or Melissa. Their offices are in 202 Pond Lab. Each has walk-in advising hours (click here for hours), and you can make an appointment (click here to make an appointment). You can contact Mary and Melissa at (814)865-4597, or by email

Mary Cameron : mym7@psu.edu

Melissa Gayman : mag31@psu.edu

For more general questions regarding the requirements for your major, classes, our student club the Political Science Association, our honors Pi Sigma Alpha, internships, or study abroad programs, please write to amr25@psu.edu.