Want to Know What to Do Next?

Here are a few easy steps ....

If you want to combine the study of political science and math so that you can aim at becoming a stellar professor in political science, you need to let us know who you are. Also, you need to declare major (and minor, if appropriate). First, you need to decide whether you will want to pursue a joint major in political science and mathematics, double major in both subjects, or major in political science or international relations and minor in math. Then you need to drop by the political science office and speak with Pat Hamilton in 327 Tarbutton Hall. Tell her what you want to do, and she will then help sign you up. Also, if you want me to be your major advisor, she will then add you to my list of advisees. I really like following the progress of students studying both political science and mathematics. I want to know your name. I want to give you guidance. I want you to succeed with both political science and math. You should also contact me directly by clicking on the "CONTACT" link at the bottom of the nav bar on the left of this page.

For the math side, you should go to see Dr. Emily Hamilton, the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Mathematics. Here is her contact information:
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Dr. Emily Hamilton | MSC W422
Director of Undergraduate Studies | 404-727-0885
Mathematics and Computer Science | emh@mathcs.emory.edu
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If you decide to minor in math, you need to take four courses at the 200 level or above. Let me make some course suggestions. A minor in math requires four courses (16 hours) at the 200 level or above. For our purposes, the optimal set of courses would be Math 211 (multivariable calculus), Math 212 (differential equations), Math 221 (linear algebra), and Math 361 (probability and statistics). The tools that you learn in those courses will directly target the skills that you will need to prepare for work with the entire range of math applications in political science, including systems modeling, rational choice theory/game theory, and econometrics. Instead of taking the second semester of probability and statistics (Math 362), you might consider taking one of the political science methods courses, POLS 308, 309, or 310. That would allow your applied statistics material to be directly related to your political science focus. If you decide to take the two-semester math sequence in probability and statistics (Math 361 and 362), you would in effect be taking five math courses at the 200 level or above. Math 211 is a prerequisite for Math 361, so no extra courses are needed outside of the above list. The only prerequisite for Math 212, and 221 is Math 112. AP credit students should talk with Professor Vicki Powers in the Math Department to see what specific prerequisites would apply (such as Math 112Z, etc.).

One extra point, if you decide to double major in both political science and math (rather than get the joint major in political science and math), I might suggest that you get a BA in math rather than a BS. The reason is that the opportunities for taking electives with a BA are a bit more flexible, and your program of study can be more clearly tailored to your work in political science if you follow this route.

Here is the link to the Math Department's description of its major and minor requirements.

But also, REMEMBER TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO ME! Both I and other political science faculty want to know who you are so that we can offer advice and help as you progress.

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