Outstanding students generally find that the Honors Program courses offered by the University provide a stimulating, satisfying, and enriching experience. These opportunities for nondepartmental study in a small group of talented students and outstanding faculty members are offered at all levels throughout the University Honors Program, as well as departmental honors courses in certain subject areas (Anthropology, Art History, Astronomy, Chemistry, English, French, Geography, Geology, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Spanish, and Theatre).
A number of Arts & Sciences departments—Anthropology, Chemistry, Classics, the Division of Biology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Economics, English, French and Francophone Studies, Geography, German, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Russian Studies, Sociology and Theatre—have programs in which a major can graduate with an Honors degree. All of these programs require that at least 12 hours of honors courses be used in satisfaction of degree requirements and some departments may require more. A senior research project or thesis is a requirement, and a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.25 is required for award of the honors degree. For specific requirements, please see individual program degree requirements located in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Other Programs
A number of departments also have programs for their outstanding students, though these courses are not labeled “Honors.” Students should also be aware of the various reading, seminar, and research courses that provide an opportunity for personal contact with faculty members.