Honors
Departmental Honors
The minimum eligibility to be considered for Departmental Honors in political science includes a grade point average in the major of at least 3.5 and completion of a minimum of 12 hours of exceptionally fine independent work. The 12 hours must include the completion of a 6 hour bachelor's essay in addition to any combination of POLS 400, 401, and/or 402. The Capstone Seminar (POLS 405) may not be included in the required 12 hours of independent work.
Political Science Honor Roll
The honor roll recognizes political science majors each semester who carry a minimum of 12 credits and earn a 3.5 gpa or higher. Honor Roll students will be recognized at the annual Political Science Award reception and the honor list will be posted in the department and on the website following each semester.
- Spring 2009 Political Science Honor Roll
- Fall 2008 Political Science Honor Roll
- Spring 2008 Political Science Honor Roll
- Fall 2007 Political Science Honor Roll
- Spring 2007 Political Science Honor Roll
- Fall 2006 Political Science Honor Roll
Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society)
Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, is the only honor society for college and university students of government in the United States. At present, there are 621 Pi Sigma Alpha chapters on campuses across the country. Pi Sigma Alpha's purpose is to recognize and promote scholarship on and intelligent discussion of government and politics. Requirements to become a member include: a 3.25 GPA in political science courses; a 3.0 overall, and the completion of at least 18 hours in political science coursework. The Political Science Department at the College of Charleston emails invitations to join Pi Sigma Alpha to eligible students early in the Spring semester each year. Students who choose to accept the invitation by completing the acceptance form and submitting the lifetime membership fee will be initiated at the Political Science Awards reception where they will receive a certificate and medallion recognizing their achievement. To learn more about Pi Sigma Alpha, visit the national website: http://www.apsanet.org/~psa/
Pi Sigma Alpha Best Paper Awards
Each year political science faculty select outstanding student papers that have been submitted by students in political science courses throughout the academic year. Best Paper Awards fall under 2 categories: Core courses and Upper Division courses. Authors of these selected papers receive a certificate, a small monetary award, and are recognized at the Political Science Awards Reception.
