Recognizing high achievers
Students majoring in international relations and political science can enhance their educational experience by earning honors in the major. Additionally, our honors students are often competitive candidates for high-level fellowships and scholarships, such as the Truman, Fulbright, and Rhodes, and are provided personalized assistance preparing those applications.
Requirements
Political science
International Relations
Honor societies
Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha is the National Political Science Honors Society. Membership for this organization is by invitation based on number of hours and GPA. Pi Sigma Alpha has over 730 chapters on college and university campuses in the U.S. and Canada, including the University of Iowa. For more information on how to be involved, contact Brian Lai or Nicholas Martini.
Phi Beta Kappa
The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the oldest and most prestigious national academic honorary society in the United States. Since 1776, election to Phi Beta Kappa has been a recognition of academic achievement. The Greek initials for the society's motto of Philosophiae Biou Kubernetes ("Love of learning is the guide of life") were used to create the name Phi Beta Kappa. The Alpha of Iowa chapter was chartered at the University of Iowa’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1895. Outstanding students who are eligible are invited to join the Society each semester. Every student inducted into the Society receives a lifetime membership in Phi Beta Kappa. The Department of Political Science is proud to have many students inducted each semester and we encourage all who are invited to accept this prestigious membership.
Honors faculty advisors
Students interested in graduating with honors are encouraged to consult with the Department of Political Science faculty honors advisors. Faculty advisors are available to discuss ways in which honors students may enhance their undergraduate education through research and other high impact academic activities.
Brian Lai
Nicholas Martini
University of Iowa Honors Program
In addition to honors in the major, students may pursue honors study and activities through membership in the University of Iowa Honors Program. University honors students must maintain a 3.33 grade-point average, complete 12 semester hours of coursework designated as honors courses, and complete 12 semester hours of an experiential learning project. Visit Honors at Iowa to learn about the university's honors program.
NOTE: Membership in the UI Honors Program is not required to earn honors in the major.