Honors Program

Excel as a leader while exploring your interests, talents, and creativity

Join a group of motivated, gifted students for the opportunity to deepen your areas of study with advanced coursework and in-depth research and mentoring with O’Neill faculty.
Get in-depth research experience by completing a thesis alongside a faculty advisor.

Description of the video:

I really care about getting people civically engaged. Helping people be involved in government. Inspiring people to be involved in the public sector. I originally joined the honors program because it seemed like an exciting way to meet like-minded students and kind of to get this opportunity to take my education to this next level by getting to meet faculty, kind of choosing a research area and ultimately completing a thesis as a senior. And I'm currently completing that thesis now, which is definitely tough but I think so worth it. I'm exploring the relationship between direct democracy and trust in government. So I'm kind of researching if states with ballot initiatives have citizens who are more trusting of their state elected officials and more trusting of elections. The O'Neill Honors program has connected me then with faculty here at O'Neill who are working in the same issue area. So my advisor is Professor Lisa Amsler, she helped me link with people who work at the National Conference on Citizenship and I'm interning there now. Because of this O'Neill Honors program, I am soon participating in the ASPA National Conference. The theme this year is "Protecting Democracy for the Future Generations." I'm really honored to be able to present my research at this conference. I feel confident and excited about my next steps as I'm applying to grad school, because I have this experience doing research and working with faculty that's going to definitely give me a leg up as I start grad school.

Honors opportunities and benefits

  • Working one-on-one on independent research with O’Neill faculty members
  • Networking with a community of high-achieving O’Neill student peers and friends
  • Opportunities for funding for academic travel, research, or internships
  • Competitive advantage for student engagement opportunities, including the Washington Leadership Program and the Indiana Leadership Program
  • Reduced requirements for applications to O’Neill’s #1 ranked masters programs
  • Graduating with a O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs honors notation on your undergraduate transcript and diploma

Students are also eligible for opportunities from Hutton Honors College, no-cost graduate study carrels in Wells Library, and other university-wide resources.

Want more information?

You have a network of support. First, contact your academic advisor. If you still have questions, contact the O’Neill Honors Program or the program director.

Information sessions about the program are offered each year in March and October. Check the O’Neill Events calendar for more information.

Read student perspectives

Selection Process

You will be considered based on your academic record, student conduct record, and online application, including personal statement and resume.