The Honors Program provides opportunities for undergraduates in Political Science to pursue advanced study and research in their junior and senior years. Students design and conduct their own research project under the supervision of a faculty adviser. They gain in-depth knowledge and an understanding of key theoretical and empirical debates in the field of political science. Students acquire research design skills and the ability to work independently on a major research project. The honors thesis program also gives students the opportunity to work closely with faculty, similar to a graduate school experience.
Students completing this program will earn 'Honors in Political Science' at graduation. Students who are in the University Honors Program and in the Political Science Honors Program will earn 'College Honors in Political Science' at graduation.
Program Requirements
- Pol S 487, Political Science Honors Seminar (5 credits), spring quarter 2021, minimum grade of 3.3.
- Pol S 488, Honors Thesis Design Seminar (5 credits), autumn quarter 2021, minimum grade of 3.3.
- Pol S 489, Honors Thesis Writing (5 credits), winter quarter 2022, minimum grade of 3.3.
Honors Seminars
Students accepted into the program take Pol S 487 in spring then Pol S 488 in autumn. Students earn 5 credits for each seminar (a total of 10 credits) and must earn a minimum grade of 3.3 in each course. Both seminars will count toward major requirements as a field or an elective course.
Honors Thesis
Students write an honors thesis in winter quarter (Pol S 489) under the supervision of a faculty member in Political Science or an approved faculty member from another program. Students must earn a minimum grade of 3.3 in the course in order to graduate with honors. While this course does not count toward the political science major, it will count as writing credit.
Honors Program Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Political Science Honors Program, students must meet the
following requirements:
- major in Political Science
- five courses in political science (may have four courses completed with the fifth in progress when applying to the program)
- minimum 3.5 GPA in the Political Science major
- minimum 3.3 overall GPA
- completion of 90 credits minimum (i.e. junior standing) by the start of spring quarter 2021 (sophomores may apply for their junior year)
For more information about the program and to apply, click here.