The Honors Tutorial College Bachelor of Arts program in political science develops academically-oriented and politically-engaged students through a rigorous, individualized curriculum. Students engage deeply with core areas of political science — including American Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and Law & Politics — through a series of one-on-one and small-group tutorials. Alongside tutorials, students complete regular coursework, develop advanced research and writing skills, and produce an original senior honors thesis. The program’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies while benefiting from the intensive mentoring and guidance of faculty tutors.
Students must complete at least 120 credit hours, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5, and fulfill all university and Honors Tutorial College requirements.
The curriculum includes:
Students complete six political science tutorials, meeting weekly with faculty tutors in a one-to-one or small-group format. Tutorials emphasize analytical thinking, research, writing, and oral presentation skills. Two senior-level tutorials serve as research-focused courses, during which students complete an original senior honors thesis under the supervision of a political science faculty advisor. The thesis must be approved by the advisor, the Director of Studies, and the Dean of the Honors Tutorial College.
Political Science students are encouraged to participate in internships coordinated by the department. Opportunities span local, state, and federal government offices, non-profit organizations, and private-sector agencies. Examples include internships with the Ohio State Senate, Ohio House of Representatives, municipal government offices, or organizations such as Amnesty International. These experiences provide supervised, practical exposure relevant to students’ academic and career objectives.
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Graduates of the Honors Tutorial College in Political Science are prepared for careers in government service, law, teaching, research, political consulting, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees in law, public policy, or political science. The tutorial experience and senior thesis provide a strong foundation for professional success and competitive graduate school applications.
