How can I earn an honors distinction on my degree?
In order to earn an honors distinction on an undergraduate degree, students in the Honors School must fulfill all the requirements of their major and successfully complete 26 credits of the following honors courses:
- Completion of 12 credits at the lower (freshmen/sophomore) level. These can be fulfilled by taking honors sections of General Education courses, including: Freshmen English, Western Civilization, Anthropology, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology; OR, for students in the School of Science, Technology, and Engineering: Biology, Chemistry, and Math; OR any combination of both.
- Completion of at least 9 credits at the upper level. These may be fulfilled by taking honors courses, honors sections of regular courses, or honors credit by contract in regular courses (arranged by the student and professor).
- An additional 5 credits earned over three semesters in preparing and writing the capstone honors thesis (HO 296, HO 396, and HO 496).
What is the honors thesis/capstone?
The honors thesis is an independent research paper usually completed junior or senior year. It differs from a conventional paper in its preparation, scope, and presentation. The thesis gives a student an opportunity to develop analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as a chance to evaluate different source materials. The honors thesis can be written in the student’s field of study or another field. Upon completion, the student must defend the written thesis at the Honors School Research Conference.
In certain disciplines (such as art, chemistry, or biology), a student can do an honors capstone project instead of an honors thesis. Further questions? Send an e-mail to Jennifer Ross, Acting Dean of the Honors School.