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org.studies@umich.edu
Ask Cathy
Advice from our advisor
OS junior Carie Reed recently spoke to Advisor Cathy Philbin about a topic that may be of interest to students:
Dear Cathy: I am considering writing a Senior Honors Thesis. When do I need to decide this? And how do I get ready during my junior year?
- Aspiring Researcher
Dear Researcher:
An Honors Thesis is a great way to gain valuable experience and create a piece of work that is truly your own. You should begin thinking about a topic that interests and inspires you and the approach a faculty member who may share your interests and agree to be your mentor. During this time, stop by my office so we can discuss your GPA standing, as there are minimum requirements for pursuing and receiving honors.
You must submit a 5-10 page proposal to OS by March 1st, so expect to have an interested faculty member and tentative topic ready by Feb. 1st, (If going abroad, you should do this even earlier). Remember that an honors thesis must go beyond a personal speculation or general analysis of a topic; it is a process of gathering data to prove a thesis that you propose. Juniors: for more information and a timeline, visit the OS website and make an appointment to talk with Rick Price, OS Program Director. Seniors: If you are not completing an honors thesis ,but would still like valuable research experience, consider an Independent Study in the winter term to add to your undergraduate accomplishments. For more detailed information, please see Honors Section.
-Cathy
Dear Cathy: I want to take a course this summer in my hometown. Can transfer credit count toward my OS major?
- Homesick and Broke
Dear Homesick,
Yes, transfer credit can count toward your OS major under certain conditions. First, consult with the Admissions Office credit evaluators, who determine if courses are acceptable to transfer to UM. There is a useful website at LSA Academic Advising.
If the course transfers as equivalent to a UM course that is part of the OS curriculum, then it will transfer to fulfill that OS requirement. You should still let me know your plans so I can make a note in your file and make sure you don't already have that requirement fulfilled. If the course transfers only as general departmental credit, bring me a course description, and I can have it reviewed for OS credit. If the course does not appear on the transfer equivalency website, that doesn't mean it won't transfer; it just means it has not been evaluated. Go to the admissions office (1220 SAB) with your course description and fill out the "Out-of-Residence Credit Form" and the credit evaluators will review the course and let you know if and how it transfers.
Keep in mind the following regulations: 1) There is a limit on how many transfer credits may count toward your LSA degree (60 credits); 2) there is a limit on how many transfer courses may count toward your OS major (3 courses); 3) once you achieve junior status at UM, you may not transfer credits from a community or junior college.
I'm always happy to speak with students about their plans, and it pays to plan ahead, so come see me!
Dear Cathy: I'm taking an MO class this term. I really enjoy it and would like to take more. Is there a limit on the number of business classes I can count toward my LSA degree? Future Business Tycoon (and reality TV star)
Dear Tycoon,
Yes, LSA does impose a limit, but it is a fairly high one. You may count a maximum of 20 non-LSA credits toward the 120 credits you need to graduate with an LSA degree. Please note that "non-LSA" credit refers not just to business, but also to art, music, kinesiology, and any other non-LSA courses. So keep an eye on how many non-LSA courses you take, and check in regularly with me and with your LSA advisor to be sure you are not going to exceed that limit (unless you want to).
Cathy Philbin is the concentration advisor for Organizational Studies and is happy to answer your questions.
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