Honors Program

The Honors Program provides political science majors the opportunity to pursue an independent research project over a two-semester period. Students begin the program by taking Political Science 691H, Honors Seminar in Research Design, in the spring semester of their junior year. During this course, they complete the first chapter of the proposed thesis.

If the first chapter is acceptable, students continue their thesis research in the senior year under the direction of a faculty advisor in Political Science 692H. Upon successful completion of the program, which includes an oral defense of the thesis, students are awarded a degree with Honors or with Highest Honors in Political Science.

To be admitted to the Honors Program students must have at least a 3.2 overall grade point average and 3.5 in Political Science. They should have completed four courses in the major. Students interested in participating in the Honors Program should apply online (see below) and contact Stuart Macdonald by October of the first semester of their junior year.

Click here to apply online.