Honors and Awards

The Alyson and Grace Jameson Award was established by alumni Bryan and Catherine Jameson in honor of their daughters. This award recognizes students with children who are pursuing a degree in political science with an emphasis in public affairs or education.

Recognition is based on grade point average in the major and overall grades earned at the College of Charleston as well as extra-curricular activities that distinguish the award recipient.

The HSS Scholars Award is granted by the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. This award is given to two graduating seniors who have made the most of their programs, both inside and outside the classroom, as well as contributed positively to the lives and experiences of others with their work.

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 POLI 400, 401, and/or 402. The Capstone Seminar (POLI 405) may not be included in the required 12 hours of independent work.

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.

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 more than 700 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 Department of Political Science 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 application and submitting the lifetime membership fee will be initiated at the Political Science Awards reception where they will receive a certificate to recognize their achievement and if they choose to purchase a medallion that they can wear at graduation.

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.