Political Science & Philosophy Departmental Honors

Political Science and Philosophy Honors are special designations offered to majors in each discipline through the Department of Political Science & Philosophy and the University Honors Program. These honors programs give students the opportunity to graduate with distinction by recognizing their academic achievements and participation in activities that develop advanced skills in their fields of study.

 

 

Requirements

  • Declare a political science major or philosophy major and earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and a departmental GPA of 3.7 or higher
  • Earn an A or A- grade on your senior thesis in POLS 4990 or PHIL 4900
  • Political Science Majors:
    • Publish research in a journal (such as ERGO) or present a paper in a professional setting such as: the Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research, the Annual Conference of the Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters, Weber State Undergraduate Research Symposium, or a related political science symposium or conference
    • Take part in one of the many high-impact learning opportunities available to political science majors, such as completing an internship through the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service, taking a CCEL-designated course, participating on an academic team (Model United Nations, Moot Court) or taking an active role in a political science related student organization like Pi Sigma Alpha (the political science honors society)
  • Philosophy Majors:
    • ENGAGEMENT - Choose one of the following:
      • Enroll and complete an Honors (HNRS) course. View courses on the Honors website.
      • Compete in a regional competition as a member of the WSU Ethics Bowl team.
    • RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP - Choose one of the following:
      • Give a presentation at a regional or national conference relevant to your field of study or at a conference such as the NCUR, UCUR, or the WSU Research & Engagement Symposium.
      • Publish an original work in a local, regional, or national refereed journal within your field of study.
    • SERVICE & LEADERSHIP - Choose one of the following:
      • Complete 30 hours or more of community service over a continuous period of time with a single organization within your field of study, to be completed by mid-semester of your last semester.
      • Serve as a Philosophy Club officer for at least one year.

Students working on their general education courses are encouraged to take general education courses offered through the Honors Program and apply for Honors Program scholarships.

 

Acknowledgements

Upon earning departmental honors, you will receive:

  • “Departmental Honors” designation on your official transcript and diploma
  • An honors certificate signed by WSU’s President and Honors Director
  • An honors medallion to be worn at commencement
  • Invitations to all honors educational and social events

 

 

How to Apply

  • Complete the Departmental Honors Application at least one semester before you graduate.
  • Contact your departmental honors advisor, who will review and sign your application.
  • You must be admitted into Departmental Honors for at least one semester before graduating.
  • You will receive a letter confirming your acceptance.
  • Visit your departmental honors advisor early in the semester before graduation to complete the Departmental Honors Exit Application

Honors Advisors

Dr. Thom Kuehls
Professor of Political Science / Political Science Advisor
Lindquist Hall Room 143
tkuehls@weber.edu

Dr. Mary Beth Willard
Professor of Philosophy / Department Chair
Lindquist Hall Room 142
marybethwillard@weber.edu