Learning Opportunities

As a student in the Department of Political Science, you can take advantage of hands-on learning opportunities such as internships, DU in DC, community-engaged learning, a global master's program, and undergraduate research partnerships with our internationally known faculty. Eligible students can also earn departmental distinction by writing a senior honors thesis.

Departmental Distinction & Honors
DU in DC
Community Engaged Learning
Global Masters Scholars Program

students looking at poster presentations

Departmental Distinction

Are you looking for a challenging conclusion to your political science degree? Interested in graduate work or law school? Consider an honors project!

There are two routes to earning distinction in the major:

(1) a year-long thesis project (reserved for students pursing an academic graduate program)

(2) the revision of a significant course paper in the major for publication in an undergraduate academic journal

These changes are student-initiated, so if you plan on pursuing distinction in the major, consult your political science advisor about the thesis and the article project at least four quarters before graduation.

The honors thesis is open to all qualified majors with a 3.7 GPA in political science and a 3.5 overall GPA. Political science honors students must complete a total of 44 credit hours in political science coursework.

Why Complete an Honors Project?

If you're planning to attend either graduate school or law school, this program is highly recommended. Graduate program and law school admission committees understand and value the discipline and advanced critical thinking skills required to complete a substantial independent research project such as an honors thesis.
What Does an Honors Project Involve?

We now offer two student-initiated means to earning distinction in the major—an honors thesis that culminates in an oral defense of your project with your thesis advisor and two faculty committee members, or the revision of a significant course paper in the major for publication in an undergraduate journal. Talk to your political science advisor as early as possible—well before your senior year—if you are interested in either project.
How Do I Start the Process?

Talk to your Political Science advisor about doing an honors project.
Additional Information
Other Honors Options at DU
- You can also explore the University Honors Program.
- Learn about Latin honors at DU.
- Check out the CAHSS Dean's List and Hornbeck Scholars

Want More Information About The Honors Thesis?

Contact Your Advisor

The US Capitol Building in Washington DC

DU in DC

In Partnership with American University

Can't decide between being close to the Rocky Mountains in Denver and in the middle of the political action in Washington, D.C.? You don't have to! In partnership with American University, University of Denver students can participate in the Washington Semester Program, or what we call DU in DC. Undergraduate students will take classes, find an internship, and develop their network in Washington, D.C. Functioning similarly to a study abroad program, students maintain their University of Denver student status while briefly enrolling for a semester with American University, typically in the Fall.

For more information about DU in DC, please connect with Professor Josh Wilson at joshua.c.wilson@du.edu.

Learn More About the Washington Semester Program

Community-Engaged Learning

Political science students have many opportunities to engage with their local communities through their work at DU. In most of these instances, our faculty members partner directly with DU's Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning (CCESL). We are proud that a number of our students have gone on to win university-level awards that reflect their meaningful engagement and the learning that this work engenders.

Through our department, and through CCESL, students have numerous opportunities to learn from our communities and to contribute to shared projects. In political science, our students have participated in community-engaged learning through participation in:

A research methods course taught in partnership with an organization facilitating post-incarceration reentry.
Internship courses that allow students to become active learners and workers in the Colorado State Legislature, Governor’s Office, and Municipal Government of Denver.
A community-engaged learning course that involved DU students in a broader educational project in partnership with Denver's public schools.