Honors Thesis in Political Science
The Political Science Department encourages strong students to pursue Honors in Political Science by completing a senior thesis or research project. This program provides students with the opportunity to work closely with a faculty advisor on an advanced, independent research project that goes beyond standard coursework.
Students develop stronger research and writing skills, engage deeply with a topic of their choice, and integrate their academic experience through original scholarly work.
Eligibility and Requirements
Students interested in completing an honors thesis are typically expected to demonstrate strong academic performance, including a competitive overall GPA and Political Science GPA.
To complete the honors designation, students generally must:
- Complete a senior thesis or research project under faculty supervision
- Enroll in thesis research credits (e.g., POLI 402 or equivalent, typically over one to two semesters)
- Work closely with a primary faculty advisor and a secondary reader
- Receive approval of the thesis project from a faculty committee in consultation with the Undergraduate Program Director
- Present their research at Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD) or a comparable departmental research event
Faculty Oversight
Each honors thesis is supervised by a faculty advisor who guides the research process. A second faculty reader provides additional evaluation and feedback. Final approval is granted through departmental review procedures coordinated by the Undergraduate Program Director.
For More Information
Students interested in pursuing an honors thesis should contact the Undergraduate Program Director or consult the Department of Political Science website for the most current requirements and advising information.