Requirements for Departmental Honors

• You must have an overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.3.
• You must have completed or be currently enrolled in at least 20 credit hours of coursework in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics prior to being accepted in the Honors Program.
• Identify a research problem and be accepted into the lab of a faculty research mentor.
• Complete the application for admission to the Departmental Honors Program.
• Obtain and complete the form “Guidelines and Agreement for Undergraduate Research in the Division of Biological Sciences.”
• Complete a total of at least 6 credit hours in Bio 4950H and Bio 4952H (Honors Research in Biological Sciences).
• Complete a presentation of your research project and its results.

Benefits of Departmental Honors

The primary value of earning Departmental Honors in Biological Sciences lies in various intangibles: the opportunity to contribute to scientific understanding, to develop your own problem-solving skills, to obtain a much deeper understanding of a particular area of biology and its scientific study than would be possible through conventional course work, to develop and nurture a strong personal relationship with a senior scientist, etc.

Even so, there are some tangible benefits:

• Completion of departmental honors in Biological Sciences will be noted on your transcript and diploma.
• You will receive a special honors cord to wear during graduation ceremonies.
• You will receive an Honors Certificate from the Division of Biological Sciences.
• You, your mentor, and two guests will be invited to attend a special Honors banquet to recognize your research achievements just before graduation in May of your final year.
• You will receive notices alerting you to special lectures or events that may be of interest to biologists, and will be invited to other events limited to participants in the Department Honors Program.
• Participation in undergraduate research activities will enhance your chances of receiving one of several different awards presented to outstanding undergraduates in the Division of Biological Sciences or in the College of Arts and Science.