The Honors Program offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary course of studies, leading to the Honors Degree. Each degree represents the successful completion of a rigorous curriculum of study, culminating in either a six-credit Senior Thesis or an Oral Comprehensive Examination.
Students who do not seek the Honors Degree may earn the Honors Program Minor (or Honors Interdisciplinary Concentration, through Class of 2015), or may elect not to pursue any of the formal certifications of the Program. Whatever their academic plans, students may be members of the Honors Program, enroll in courses, and participate fully in all Program activities as long as they maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.33 and enroll in a minimum of one Honors course every third semester.
Degree Requirements
Honors Degree:
Thesis Track
Complete a total of 10 Honors courses, including a required Humanities, Social Science, or Natural Science Honors Research Seminar, and the Senior Thesis.
At least three of the remaining Honors courses must be upper-level electives that may be used to fulfill Core Requirements.
Students who pursue the Honors Degree combine their Honors studies with a major in a specific academic discipline. Thesis Track recommended for students who intend to pursue a graduate or professional degree.
Honors Degree: Non-Thesis Track
Complete a total of 10 Honors courses, including 3 upper level Honors courses in primary major or area of academic interest, with approval of adviser.
Students complete an Oral Comprehensive Examination in their major field in the senior year, similar to graduate level comps.
Students who pursue the Honors Degree: Non-Thesis Track combine their Honors studies with a major in a specific academic discipline.
Honors Minor
Any 5 Honors courses, at least 2 of which are upper level.
This minor is available to any student in the Honors Program and is attainable by students in the Arts, Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Nursing. Please meet with your Honors advisor to plan ahead to meet the requirements for the minor.
Honors Interdisciplinary Concentration
Any 8 Honors courses, at least 3 of which are upper level.
Available only through the Class of 2015, for all Colleges.
