Undergraduate Advising
Whether you are contemplating taking your first course in political science or completing your senior year in the program, our undergraduate advising team is happy to meet with you.
We can discuss:
- Course planning for the political science major or minor
- University policies
- Internship opportunities
- Career prospects
- Learning abroad and National Student Exchange options
- Scholarships
We encourage you to meet with a political science advisor at least once a year to ensure you are progressing satisfactorily in your program and are on track to graduate on schedule.
Interested in Meeting with an Advisor?
The Political Science Undergraduate Advising Office provides in-person and virtual services. Pay attention to which modality or modalities are available. If the appointment times are not convenient for your schedule, email us at [email protected] to discuss alternatives. We want to meet with you!
Ready to Declare?
There are two ways to declare a major in political science:
Complete the online Major Declaration Module (takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete). You will need to read through the module, take the module quizzes (score 100%), and complete the Political Science declaration form.
Note: once a major declaration request is submitted, please allow several weeks for the major to appear on your record.
OR
Sign up for an in-person major declaration session with a political science advisor. This option is not available until fall 2025.
Email [email protected] with any questions or concerns. After declaring your major, you are welcome to meet with Political Science Advising either in-person in 1414 Social Sciences Building or virtually via a Zoom appointment.
To declare a minor in political science, please submit the online Minor Declaration Request.
Prospective students can email [email protected] to learn more about the major.
Undergraduate Advising Team
Josie Kahlenbeck has worked in higher education since 2013. She started her journey in admissions at the University of Maine. Since her return to Minnesota, she has worked at the University of Minnesota at the Learning Abroad Center, the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, and now the Department of Political Science. She received a BA from the University of Minnesota - Morris and studied Spanish, Political Science, and Latin American Area Studies, and also studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She received a Masters of Liberal Studies degree from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, focusing on Eva Peron and Eleanor Roosevelt and their controversial political influence. Josie's interests include running, spending time with family, and watching new shows or re-watching Parks and Rec. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and stays busy as a mom to her two young daughters and her dog Kimi.
Natalie joined CLA as a Regional Advisor in 2021 after completing her master's in Comparative International Development Education from the College of Education and Human Development. Prior to this role, she spent over 10 years teaching K-12 internationally in South Korea, Mexico, Guatemala, United Arab Emirates, and Ghana. Natalie is a college advisor for CLA undergraduates and she also advises students in the Spanish and Portuguese studies department as well as political science. Natalie loves talking with students about courses that excite them and potential opportunities for study abroad, National Student Exchange, internships, and other career-related experiences.
Aisha Hersi is a senior majoring in political science. She is particularly interested in environmental regulation, corporate accountability, and tax policy. She looks forward to talking to students about research opportunities within the department and getting to know their academic interests. Aisha is also excited to help students find ways to pursue opportunities related to their passions.
Levi Wilson is a sophomore studying political science and sociology of law. His major areas of interest include international relations, foreign policy, and human rights law. He looks forward to getting to know students, discovering their interests, and hearing the variety of student perspectives that exist within the major.