last modified:2007-10-26 11:08:12
University Honors Degree Requirements
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As of Fall Semester 2003, the following requirements go into effect. If you began the program prior to Fall 2003, you have the option whether or not to complete the Honors Certificate. If you choose to complete it, you must take Honors Writing (2211 or 3200). If not, you will complete your University Honors Degree according to the old requirements. All students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 to graduate with the University Honors Degree. Students admitted after Fall 2006 must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA to graduate with the University Honors Degree.
To apply for the Honors Certificate, click here.
Honors Certificate Program and the University Honors Degree Requirements
The Honors Certificate Program provides a way for Honors students to efficiently and coherently complete the majority of their Gen Ed requirements, connect with the Honors community, share common experiences, and be rewarded for their commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. In addition, it creates a clear and articulate structure of courses, community activities, and interactions between faculty and students in a nurturing learning community. The Honors Certificate Program comprises the first tier in the two-tiered structure of the Honors Program.
Students who complete five Honors courses from the approved list will receive the Honors Certificate designation on their diploma. This program has three major components:
- Two semesters of the Honors Core in Intellectual Traditions
- One semester of Honors Writing, either Honors 2211 or Honors 3200
- Two additional Honors courses (American Institutions, Honors Calculus, Honors Core in Social and Behavioral Science, Honors Core in Physical and Life Science, Honors Core in Fine Arts, Construction of Knowledge, or any of the Honors seminars)
Ultimately, the Honors Certificate better positions students for what comes next--the second tier experience of the Honors Program or completion of the University Honors Degree. The second tier has two components:
- Two additional Honors courses
- Honors thesis including presentation of thesis at the Undergraduate Research Symposium
Students who complete both tiers will graduate with the University Honors Degree.
Special Considerations and Policies
- Honors students seeking the Certificate may not AP out of any of the five required courses.
- Honors students who have passed the AP English or English Literature exams, therefore fulfilling the lower-division writing requirement, may fulfill the Honors writing requirement by taking Honors 3200 or by taking the Construction of Knowledge course.
- The Honors calculus is no longer required for a University Honors Degree but will instead be satisfied by the student's department requirement.
- Students enrolled in University Honors may also take classes offered through Departmental Honors if they have fulfilled the pre-requisites to do so. These Departmental Honors courses count as electives toward the Certificate.
Other Considerations
Senior Pre-Thesis Interview
Before beginning the Senior Honors Thesis, you must arrange for a Pre-Thesis Interview with Tom Richmond at least three semesters before you intend to graduate.
Senior Honors Thesis
In consultation with the Honors advisor in your major department, you will register for that department's course numbered 4999. For example, a communication major will register for COMM 4999, Honors Thesis/Project for 3 sem. Hrs. The Honors thesis will be written to fulfill the requirements for this course and will be supervised by a professor in the major department selected in consultation with the departmental Honors advisor. The thesis does NOT meet the upper-division Communication/Writing (CW) graduation requirement. We recommend you sign up for Honors 3200, "Writing in a Research University," if you have not completed Upper Division Writing. Regardless of form, each thesis involves intellectual independence and introduces you to proper research methods in your discipline in preparation for graduate or professional work. Completed theses are available for review at the Marriott Library, 5th floor, Special Collections. Students are also highly encouraged to present their work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium held every spring.
Some departments require a senior capstone experience, project or thesis as a requirement or an option in meeting major requirements. These experiences are usually suitable for translation into the requirements for an Honors Thesis with minimal additional work. Any work your major department approves as appropriate undergraduate research or creativity in your discipline is acceptable for the Honors Thesis. The following departments are examples of those with such opportunities: History, Linguistics, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Modern Dance, Music, Nursing, Parks Recreation and Tourism. Pathology, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Theatre and Women's Studies. Check with your major advisor to see what is possible as part of your degree program that will help you complete your Honors Thesis.