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 2024, minimum grade of 3.3.
- Pol S 488, Honors Thesis Design Seminar (5 credits), autumn quarter 2024, minimum grade of 3.3.
- Pol S 489, Honors Thesis Writing (5 credits), winter quarter 2025, minimum grade of 3.3.
Honors SeminarsStudents 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 RequirementsTo be considered for admission to the Political Science Honors Program, students must meet the following requirements, below. Late, incomplete or applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be reviewed.
- 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 GPA of 3.5 in the Political Science major
- minimum overall GPA of 3.3
- completion of 90 credits minimum (i.e. junior standing) by the start of spring quarter 2024 (sophomores may apply for their junior year)
1) EssayYour essay should be double spaced and no more than two pages. Explain why you are applying to the Political Science Honors Program and what you hope to achieve by pursuing honors. Include the areas of research that interest you and how your past courses have contributed to those interests along with your preparedness to do independent research. If you have ideas for your thesis, you may include that information as well. At this point, you do not need to have a prepared thesis topic.
2) ResumeAttach your resume and include at least two and up to three instructors and/or TAs who can provide the selection committee with information about your coursework and contributions to class. This is a list of references only. They do not need to write letters of recommendation. For assistance with writing or feedback about your resume, refer to the following resources:
- The Career & Internship Center's webpage on resumes
- Pol S/JSIS/LSJ/GWSS Writing Center, for feedback from a Writing Center tutor
3) Paper written for a classAttach a copy of a paper that you wrote for a class (may include instructor comments and your grade, but this is not required). A paper written for a Political Science course is preferred but not required. Submit one paper only. Choose the paper that best demonstrates your research and writing skills. Do not submit answers to essay questions from an exam.
4) Unofficial UW TranscriptAccess your unofficial transcript in your MyUW account.
Some applicants may be contacted to schedule an interview with the Honors Committee. All applicants will be notified by email regarding their acceptance into the program by the end of winter quarter.
If you have any questions about the application, please contact the Pol S Advising Office at polsadvc@uw.edu.