Take your Schar School experience further through the undergraduate honors program—an opportunity to deepen your learning, work closely with faculty, and graduate with distinction.
The honors program is designed for students who want to challenge themselves through advanced coursework and original research. It gives students the chance to work closely with faculty, strengthen their analytical skills, and complete a substantial project that can support future graduate study or career opportunities.
Students in the program complete a two-course sequence:
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GOVT 491: Honors Seminar, the honors version of the GOVT 490 synthesis course
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GOVT 496: Directed Readings and Research, an independent research experience completed under the guidance of a faculty member
In GOVT 496, students conduct original research and present and defend their work as part of the final course requirements. To graduate with honors, students must earn an average GPA of 3.5 across GOVT 491 and GOVT 496.
Eligibility
The Schar School Honors Program is open to students in all Schar School undergraduate majors. Students in Government and International Politics, International Security and Law, and Public Administration may pursue advanced work leading to graduation with honors.
Students are typically eligible to apply if they:
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have completed GOVT 300, or are taking it during the application semester
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have a cumulative GPA of 3.5
The selection process also considers the rigor of prior coursework and each student’s broader academic strengths, including research experience and work across disciplines. As a result, the GPA guideline may be applied with some flexibility.
Application Process
Students who meet the qualifications are invited to apply in the middle of the spring term of their junior year.
A member of the Schar School advising team will contact selected students and provide the application materials. Applicants will be asked to submit:
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a letter of recommendation from a Schar School faculty member
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a writing sample
Final decisions are made by the honors program director in consultation with a faculty committee.
Interested in learning more? Contact a Schar School advisor through Patriot Connect.