Application
APPLYING TO THE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES HONORS PROGRAM
Admission to the honors program is competitive. Outstanding International Studies majors must apply in Spring quarter of their junior year. Acceptance into the program is based on strength of the proposed research, demonstrated background in relevant courses and research methods for the proposed research, and the student’s demonstrated ability as an independent and critical thinker. Students are also required to maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.3 overall and 3.5 in the major throughout the program.
The International Studies Honors Program application includes:
- Qualtrics application form - includes demographic information, GPA (IS and overall), proposed project title, research awards/grants, study abroad programs, and faculty advisor
- Letter of support from your thesis advisor - print and sign (advisor and student) this advisor letter
- Copy of unofficial transcript
- Thesis topic proposal
Your thesis topic proposal should be 1-2 pages (400-700 words). Include a short bibliography. In your project proposal, please address the following information, even if it is only preliminary at this stage:
- What is your research question? Clearly state the puzzle or problem you wish to better understand.
- How has existing literature informed your initial inquiry?
- What kinds of methods will you deploy? Be sure to address the data or sources you hope to examine.
- To conclude, write about what you hope to explain. Is your intended contribution a new methodological approach to your puzzle, or an unexplored set of sources or data? Both? Be sure to include your hypotheses or hunches about what you might find, with the assurance that the preliminary nature of your proposal is well understood by the selection committee.
The deadline to apply for the 2026-2027 International Studies Honors Program is Friday, April 24, 2026.