Senior Essay

Guidelines and Requirements

The senior essay is an optional component of the Political Science major; however, completion of a senior essay is required to be eligible for Distinction in the Major.

Only students who earn a senior essay grade of A/A- and meet the university requirements for distinction are granted Distinction in the Major.

For many students, the senior essay is one of the most intellectually rewarding experiences of their undergraduate education. Through close collaboration with a faculty advisor, students have the opportunity to explore a political question in depth, develop advanced research and analytical skills, and produce original scholarship on a topic of personal and academic interest.

Enrollment in the Senior Essay Program is limited. Students interested in completing a senior essay must submit a Senior Essay application and prospectus during the spring term of their junior year. 

Eligibility for the Senior Essay 

To be eligible to apply, students must have completed the following requirements:

  • Minimum 3.7 GPA
  • Two Introductory Lecture Courses
  • One Core Lecture Course
  • One Seminar
  • Methodology Requirement

Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the department’s guidelines, expectations, and deadlines for the senior essay process. 

Forms 

 
Rev. 06-16-26