Graduating with Department Honors
Pursuing honors during your undergraduate experience at the University of Kentucky is an excellent way to challenge yourself academically and distinguish your accomplishments. Earning honors demonstrates dedication, discipline, and intellectual curiosity, and it can strengthen future applications for graduate school, fellowships, and employment opportunities.
The Department of Political Science is proud to support its students through a variety of scholarships, awards, and honors. These recognitions celebrate academic excellence and provide meaningful support for your educational journey. For a full list of current opportunities, visit the Honors, Awards & Funding Opportunities page.
Political Science Departmental Honors
To graduate with Departmental honors in Political Science, students must:
- Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 GPA in Political Science
- Complete PS 490 (Senior Seminar) with a grade of B or higher
- In some cases, a thesis completed in PS 395 or another capstone seminar may be accepted as a substitute, with approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Law and Justice Departmental Honors
Students majoring in Law and Justice may also graduate with Departmental honors by meeting the following requirements:
- Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 GPA in the major
- Complete LJ 499 with a grade of B or higher
Lewis Honors College
The Lewis Honors College offers an enriched academic experience for students from all majors. Members of the Honors College benefit from small, interdisciplinary courses, specialized advising, and access to unique co-curricular opportunities that promote leadership, community engagement, and undergraduate research.
Political Science majors who complete an honors thesis through the Lewis Honors College may use it to fulfill the senior seminar requirement for the department’s honors program. Students who wish to pursue this option should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the beginning of the semester in which they plan to graduate.
Admission criteria vary slightly for first-year and upper-level students. For full details, visit the Lewis Honors College Page.
Please note that Department Honors and the Lewis Honors College are not equivalent. As always, when in doubt, consult with your advisor.
