- Departmental Honors Recognized courses
Designed for outstanding students in specific departments, these courses may be counted toward the Honors Program certificate or degree. Download a
complete listing of courses.
- Contract courses
Is there a class in which you would like to work more closely with the Professor? This is usually the case if you would like to go above and beyond the class in an area of your interest. The Honors Contract allows you to receive honors credit in a regular course. Our faculty are passionate about teaching and sharing their research with students. Yet, in working with you individually, they are also investing their time and intellectual labor in you. Talk with your Professor, see if you can both agree upon your intellectual pursuits in the class, and fill in the Honors Contract Form. This may well be the start of a lifelong relationship with a mentor. Some possible examples of Honors contracts include, but are not limited to:
- A paper on a more challenging topic than those required of other students
- More sophisticated experiments or problems
- Extra problem sets or experiments in an area not heavily explored in class
- Extended readings on an author or historical figure not thoroughly covered in the class
- Viewing/experiencing cultural artifacts related to the subject matter and writing response papers
- Leading a class discussion on a topic thoroughly studied and prepared by the student
- Translating a short work
- Meetings with the instructor to discuss additional readings
Previous topics have included:
- The origins of beer and its role in the agricultural revolution in a largely lecture and lab based class in the Fermentation Institute.
- Presenting two videos to initiate a discussion on domestic abuse in a class on victim advocacy.
The contract form is submitted to the Director of the UHP for approval. The deadline for Fall and Spring semesters is Friday of the third week of classes; during the Summer term, the deadline is the Friday of the first week of classes.
(Download the Honors contract form)
- Independent Study
An independent project (readings, field study, creative projects), approved in advance by the Director. An independent study can extend up to two semesters. The deadline for Fall and Spring semesters is Friday of the third week of classes; during the Summer term, the deadline is the Friday of the first week of classes.Complete a
UHON 399 form.
- Thesis
Students in the University Honors Program may choose to graduate with an Honors Thesis. Working on a thesis offers the opportunity to pursue independent research and/or creative project of one's choice under close guidance from a faculty advisor. Examples of previous theses
Deadlines:
Proposals for theses to be completed in Summer: April 30th.
Proposals for theses to be completed in Fall: August 30th.
Proposals for theses to be completed in Spring 2021 November 30th.
- Internships and Travel/Study Programs
Honors credit may be given for a faculty-directed paper based on some internships and travel/study programs, if approved by the Honors Director before the internship or travel.
- Procedures and policies
Information on: reservation for Honors Seminars, suspenson and probation, mentorship, voluntary withdrawal, and exit interviews
