Honors Program FAQs

1. In addition to the four core seminars, how many outside courses do I need to take?

In addition to the core seminars spread over your two years in the program, you must take six other courses. They can be in any field you wish. They can be applied towards a second major or a minor. Of course, in addition to the courses students take in the honors program during their last two years, they must have completed standard College requirements for graduation. Most students complete these before they enter the program.

2. Can I “freeze” my GPA in the Politics Honors Program?

Honors students have the choice of taking classes on a pass/fail basis or for a grade. If they choose to take all of their classes on a pass/fail basis, their GPA will be frozen at the level it was at the time they entered the program. Courses that students decide to take on a graded basis will be included in the final calculation of their GPA.

3. Can I double-major or minor with another Department?

Absolutely. Many students in the program have double-majors or minors in another department. In fact the flexibility of the Honors Program curriculum facilitates double-majors, and the Politics Honors Program supports students’ efforts to augment their study of politics with second majors and minors in other departments.

4. Can I study abroad or take a semester at another University and participate in the Program?

In order to complete the honors seminars, students must remain on the grounds for the spring and fall semesters of their final two years. Many honors students study abroad during the summers. The Honors Program often provides financial support to students who wish to travel abroad to conduct research for their thesis or present their research at conferences.

5. Can I research a thesis topic that is not covered in the core seminars?

Absolutely. You are free to work on whatever topic you wish providing it is approved by your faculty supervisor and the program director. Originality and creativity are strongly encouraged.