Honors Program

Honors Guide Sheet ’24-’25
Honors Program Timeline ’24-’25
Weinstein Grant Funding Application ’24-’25
Honors Program Defense Form ’24-’25

BA/MA Program

BA/MA Guide Sheet ’24-’25
BA/MA Program Timeline ’24-’25
Weinstein Grant Funding Application ’24-’25
BA/MA Thesis Agreement ’24-’25

Helpful Resources when writing your BA/MA Thesis:

Advanced Programs FAQs

  • I’m a BA/MA student and I don’t have an advisor yet, what should I do?

First, don’t stress! You will find someone awesome to work with. Take a look at our PO Faculty list here, if they have done work that sounds interesting/fits your topic of interest, please reach out to them to set up a Zoom call. If they cannot commit to working with you they can give you information about where to start with your research and might recommend another faculty member to work with.

  • I’m a BA/MA student, do I need to fill out an intent to graduate form with CAS and GRS?

No, you will only need to fill one out for CAS. If you have not done so, you can fill it out here.

  • Can I work with a faculty member outside of PO for my thesis project?

The main advisor on your thesis needs to be a Political Science faculty member. You’re more than welcome to have secondary/tertiary advisors.

  • I’m having trouble getting in touch with/reaching my advisor, what can I do?

Please reach out to Professor Piston (spiston@bu.edu) or an undergraduate academic advisor if you are having trouble getting in touch with your faculty advisor.

  • Who can be on my Honors Defense Committee?

The first member of your defense committee will be your PO Thesis Advisor. Your second and third members can be any faculty member from BU; they do not have to be a PO faculty member.

  • Can I use an internship to count as a PO course?

CAS does not allow students to receive credit for internships, but you can create a directed study worth 4 credits in conjunction with your internship to count as a PO 200+ level course. Students are limited to 3 directed studies within their time at BU, so Honors Program students are limited here.

  • Where can I find previous years’ theses?

You can find previous Honors Program student’s theses on OpenBU under College of Arts and Sciences and under Political Science. This is also where Honors program students will submit their theses at the end of the year.