The Political Science Senior Honors program offers an intensive, individualized educational experience for qualifying seniors.  A student in the program chooses a topic of personal interest within the scope of political science, develops a research question about the topic as well as a social scientific method for answering the question, and spends the senior year conducting research and writing the results into an honors thesis.  The result is an original work of scholarship demonstrating depth of understanding, intellectual maturity, and the student's developed expertise.  Many students in the honors program pursue post-graduate training in PhD programs, the law, or in professional graduate programs in international affairs or public policy.  Others take positions after UCSB in the public sector in international development, foreign relations, or American government.  Participation in the honors program is excellent preparation for a range of post-graduate pursuits.

The Process

Students begin the honors process in the spring quarter of their Junior Year by taking PS 195, the Junior Honors Seminar.  This small-group seminar typically meets once each week for three hours.  Student develop research ideas, select an advisor for their project, and produce a draft research proposal.  The honors program then continues through all three quarters of the Senior year, with PS 197a, PS 197b, and PS 197c.  Through weekly meetings with other honors students and through regular contact with their faculty advisors, students undertake their research and write their thesis by the end of Spring quarter.

Eligibility 

Eligibility for the program requires GPA's of 3.5 or better in the political science major and cumulatively at UCSB.  Significant progress toward completion of the major, via completed courses in political science, is also required as of the end fall quarter of the junior year.  No application process exists. All students in the major who meet the minimum requirements receive an invitation to join the program. 

Recognition

Students who complete the department's Honors Program graduate "With Distinction in the Major."  Many of our honors students also participate in the separate honors program of the College and Letters and Science, which leads to graduation "With Honors."  Students completing both programs graduate "With Honors" and "With Distinction." 

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