Political Science & Public Administration
Honors and Research
POLPUB Honors Program
Our honors program offers exceptional students the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research in their area of choice. This is an excellent opportunity for students planning to attend graduate school or those interested in exploring their unique interests within Political Science and Public Administration.
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Honors FAQ's
What is the Political Science Honors Program?
The honors program provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The program involves enrolling in POL 498, which is treated like an independent study course.
How do I know if I’m eligible for the Honors Program?
To qualify for the Honors Program, students should meet the following criteria:
- Junior standing
- Twelve (12) credits in the major
- A 3.50 grade point average in the major
- A 3.25 grade point average overall
- Submission of a Political Science and Public Administration Honors Application
What is POL 498 Honors Research?
POL 498 is the required course for the honors program, designed as an independent study where students and their faculty mentors set goals and a schedule for research throughout the semester. It can also be repeated once, if agreed upon by both the student and the mentor, and if it fits within the student's academic goals. Students will need to: 1) complete an honors thesis and 2) present their research to either a colloquium of faculty and students in the Political Science and Public Administration department or a conference setting outside of the department g (e.g., the UWL Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium in the spring, the National Conference for Undergraduate Research in the spring, the Midwest Political Science Association Conference in the spring).
Can I take POL 498 more than once?
Yes, POL 498 can be repeated one time if both you and your mentor agree that it aligns with your academic goals.
Are there opportunities for undergraduate research grants?
Yes, students in the honors program are encouraged to apply for undergraduate research grants and seek opportunities to present their work outside the department, such as at academic conferences.
Follow This Link to learn more about Undergraduate research grants.
When should I take POL 498 Honors Research?
The timing depends on your post-graduation plans. If you’re planning to apply to graduate or law school, taking POL 498 two or three semesters before graduation might give you time to strengthen your application and build a relationship with your faculty mentor for letters of recommendation. However, you can also take it in your final semester if that better fits your schedule.
Can I wait until my final semester to take POL 498?
Yes, many students choose to take POL 498 in their final semester. It can still provide valuable research experience even if you already have plans after graduation
