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Honors Program

Honors in the Major

The Honors Program seeks to facilitate customized learning for Honors students in their disciplines by offering the opportunity for students to engage in Honors education and to have Honors Learning Experiences in upper division courses.

Benefits of Honors in the Major

  • Students engage in an enriched and extended learning experience that promotes a deeper level of learning.
  • Students develop as scholars and gain an edge by choosing a rigorous preparation in their field of study.
  • Students demonstrate independent research or creative productivity directly related to their major.
  • "Honors in the Major" will be noted in the Commencement Book and on the student's transcript and diploma.
  • Departments/Schools can showcase Honors students' Capstone Experiences.

Honors Liaisons

Honors Liaisons are an excellent resource for students to learn how they can incorporate their Honors Learning Experiences into their major requirements.

Requirements

Departments/Schools partner with the Honors Program to specify the types of Honors Learning Experiences required to achieve this designation.

General requirements include:

  • Earning a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA at the time of graduation;
  • Earning a minimum 3.5 major GPA at the time of graduation;
  • Completing one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the Honors Program through graduation; and
  • Successfully completing the Honors Learning Experiences specified by the Department/School.

 

Requirements by Department/School

Specific criteria for each major are listed below.

Accounting

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in ACC courses (depending on major sequence):
    1. Honors Contract in two of the following courses with a grade of “A” or “B”:  ACC 230, 231, 232, 233, 235, 337, 362, 370, 430
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience in the Internship Program:
    • Accountancy sequences: Honors Contract with a grade of “A” or “B” in ACC 398
    • BS/MPA PA sequence: Honors Contract with a grade of “A” or “B” in ACC 398 or ACC 498
    • BS/MPA IS sequence: Honors Contract with a grade of “A” or “B” in ACC 498 

Agriculture

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in AGR courses by choosing 2 of the following:
    1. Honors Contract in an AGR course at the 200 or 300 level
    2. Honors Contract in an AGR course at the 200 or 300 level
    3. 3 hours of AGR 299: Honors Independent Study  
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience (1 – 3 credit hours; choose one of the following): 
    • HON 285/286: Honors Undergraduate Research with an AGR faculty member
    • AGR 299: Honors Independent Study
    • HON 395: Honors Thesis 

Anthropology

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in ANT courses, specifically:
    1. Honors Contract in a 100, 200, or 300 level course
    2. Honors Contract in a 100, 200, or 300 level course
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, specifically: 
    • ANT 299: Honors Independent Study or HON 395: Honors Thesis taken concurrently with ANT 382 

Art

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in ART courses, which may include:
    1. Honors Contract in any major course or Honors Research
    2. Honors Contract in any major course or Honors Research 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    • ART 299: Honors Independent Study OR HON 395A10: Honors Thesis in Art with optional presentation of capstone project 
      • Examples of acceptable presentations (when applicable) include curating an exhibition, giving a solo or two-person exhibition, and/or presenting at the University Research Symposium 

Biological Sciences

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete Honors Learning Experiences in BSC; choose from option A or B below: 
    1. Honors Contract in a BSC course at the 200 or 300 level and 3 hours of BSC 299
    2. 6 hours of BSC 299 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, specifically: 
    • BSC 303: Senior Thesis 

Chemistry

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in CHE courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Sections of CHE 140 and 141 or an Honors Contract in a CHE course at the 200 level or higher
    2. Completion of 4 of the following courses with an Honors Contract in one course:
      CHE 301, 302, 315, 344, 350, 362, 372, 380, CHE/PHY 318 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, specifically: 
    • 5 hours of CHE 290/299 (of which at least 3 hours are CHE 299) that culminates in a research presentation at a university, regional, or national/international conference or symposium 

Communication

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 3 Honors Learning Experiences in COM major courses, within the following parameters: 
    • Honors Contracts or Sections
    • Students are encouraged to complete an Honors Contract in COM 111 or COM 297, though this is not required.
    • At least one contract should be in a course at the 300 level. 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, which may include: 
    • COM 299: Honors Independent Study (1 -3 credit hours)
    • Honors Contract in a specific course:
      • COM Studies: COM 388
      • Journalism: COM 374
      • Mass Media: COM 396
      • Public Relations: COM 378 

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in CSD, specifically: 
    1. Honors Contracts in two separate CSD courses at the 200 or 300 level 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, specifically: 
    • Honors Independent Study: CSD 299 for 3 credit hours; or
    • Honors Thesis: HON 395 for 3 credit hours 

Creative Technologies

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in CTK courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Contracts in two CTK courses required for the major. 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, which may include: 
    • CTK 299: Honors Independent Study
    • HON 395: Honors Thesis 

Criminal Justice

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in CJS courses, which may include: 
    1. Honors Sections
    2. Honors Contracts
    3. Honors Research 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, which may include:  
    • CJS 299: Honors Independent Study
    • Honors Thesis (HON 395) 

Economics

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete Honors Learning Experiences in ECO courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Sections of ECO 101 and 102
      OR
      Honors Section of ECO 101 or 102 and an Honors Contract in an ECO course at the 200 or 300 level
      (Students who completed ECO 101 and/or 102 prior to being admitted to the Honors Program should be in touch with their Honors advisor to discuss possible adjustments to these requirements.)
    2. Honors Contract in an ECO course at the 200 or 300 level 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, specifically: 
    • Honors Independent Study: CSD 299 for 3 credit hours; or
    • Honors Thesis: HON 395 for 3 credit hours 

English

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in ENG, specifically: 
    1. Honors Contract or Honors Section in ENG (not including ENG 101)
    2. ENG 299: Honors Independent Study, for 2 credit hours, resulting in a 40-page thesis
      Thesis topics may relate to any of the 10 areas of study within the various English major sequences: Composition; Children’s Literature; Creative Writing; English Education; Linguistics; Literary and Cultural Studies; Publishing Studies; Rhetoric; Technical Writing; and TESOL. 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    • HON 395: Honors Thesis, for 1 credit hour, in which the 40-page thesis will be defended before a committee 

Family and Consumer Sciences

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in FCS courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Contracts in 2 FCS courses 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    • FCS 299: Honors Independent Study, culminating in a substantial research project
    • HON 395: Honors Thesis 

Finance, Insurance, and Law

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in FIL, specifically: 
    1. Honors Section of FIL 185, 240, or 250; or an Honors Contract in any 200 or 300 level  FIL course
    2. Honors Contract in any 200 or 300 level FIL course (3 credit hours); or 3 hours of  FIL 299: Honors Independent Study 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, which may include: 
    • FIL 299: Honors Independent Study (3 credit hours)
    • Any one of the following:
      • FIL 370: Educational Investment Fund
      • FIL 381A06: Applied Equity Analysis
      • FIL 346: Fixed Income Analysis and Portfolio Management 

Geography, Geology, and the Environment

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Contracts in courses required for the major, with at least one of these in a GEO course at the 100, 200, or 300 level. 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience emphasizing research, applied, or practical experience:   
    • GEO 299: Honors Independent Study with a written report; or
    • HON 395A18: Honors Thesis: Geography/Geology 

Health Sciences

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in HSC courses, from the following options: 
    1. Honors Contract in HSC course at the 200 or 300 level within major plan.
    2. Honors Research for 1 – 3 credit hours with a faculty sponsor.
    3. Honors Contract in a non-HSC course at the 200 or 300 level (must be approved by HSC Honors Liaison to count as one of the two Honors Learning Experiences).
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience (choose one of the following): 
    • HSC 299: Honors Independent Study for 1 – 3 credit hours
      • Independent project overseen by faculty.
      • Researcher working with faculty on approved project. 
    • Honors Contract in Professional Practice experience within major plan
      • Expanded experience with deeper engagement or additional responsibilities on site. 

History

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in HIS: 
    1. Honors Contract in a HIS class at the 200-level, excluding HIS 200 (3 credit hours)
    2. Honors Contract in a HIS class at the 300-level, excluding HIS 300 (3 credit hours) 
  5. Complete HIS 299: Honors Independent Study (3 credit hours)–substitutes for a HIS elective 
    • Serves as an introduction to the topic pursued in HIS 301
  6. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience in History:
    • HIS 301: Honors Thesis (3 credit hours)–substitutes for HIS 300 

Information Technology

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in IT, specifically: 
    1. Honors Section of or Honors Contract in an IT course or Honors Research with an IT faculty member
    2. Honors Section of or Honors Contract in an IT course or Honors Research with an IT faculty member  
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    • IT 299: Honors Independent Study, or HON 395: Honors Thesis 

International Business

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences, specifically: 
    1. Honors Section or Honors Contract in one of the following: 
      1. Required Business Core course: ACC 131, 132, or 270; BUS 100; ECO 105;  ENG 145A13; FIL 185 or 240; MAT 121; MKT 230; MGT 100, 220, or 385
      2. IB Required or Track course: ACC 340; ECO 245; FIL 312 or 344; IB 225; MKT 350; MGT 349 or 350
      3. Functional Area Concentration course: 200 or 300 level College of Business Course 
    2. Honors Section or Honors Contract in one of the following: 
      1. Approved area studies or language course: see International Business checklist for current list of approved area studies courses
      2. IB Required or Track course: ACC 340; ECO 245; FIL 312 or 344; IB 225; MKT 350; MGT 349 or 350 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, which may include: 
    • Honors Contract in IB 398
    • IB 299: Honors Independent Study (3 credit hours)
    • HON 395: Honors Thesis (3 credit hours) 

Kinesiology and Recreation

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in KNR, specifically: 
    1. KNR 295: Honors Seminar
    2. 1 of the following: 
      • Honors Contract in a KNR course at the 200 level or above
      • HON 285/286: Honors Undergraduate Research with a KNR faculty member
      • KNR 299: Honors Independent Study 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, which may include one of the following: 
    • HON 285/286: Honors Undergraduate Research with a KNR faculty member
    • KNR 299: Honors Independent Study
    • HON 395: Honors Thesis 

Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in LAN courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Contract in a LAN course at the 100, 200, or 300 level
    2. Honors Contract in a LAN course at the 100, 200, or 300 level, or, when available, an Honors Exploration hosted by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, specifically: 
    • LAN 299: Honors Independent Study 

Legal Studies

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in LGS, specifically:
    1. Honors Contracts in 2 LGS classes 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    • Honors Contract in LGS 398a20 

Management

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in MGT courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Section of MGT 220 or an Honors Contract in any 200 or 300 level  MGT course (3 credit hours)
    2. Honors Contract in any 200 or 300 level MGT course (3 credit hours) or Honors Undergraduate Research: HON 285 or 286 (3 credit hours) 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    • MGT 299: Honors Independent Study (3 credit hours)

Marketing

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in MKT, specifically: 
    1. Honors Section of MKT 190 or an Honors Contract in any 200 or 300 level MKT course
    2. Honors Contract in any 200 or 300 level Marketing Course 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience:  
    • HON 285/286: Honors Undergraduate Research with a Marketing faculty member 

Mathematics

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in MAT courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Section of any MAT course or Honors Contract in a MAT course at the 200 level or higher
    2. Honors Section of any MAT course or Honors Contract in a MAT course at the 200 level or higher 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, selected from the following: 
    • Honors Contract in MAT 268 with a presentation at a research symposium
    • Honors Research (MAT 299 or HON 285/286) or research approved by the Math Department through an Honors Contract that resulted in a publication or presentation
    • Honors Thesis (HON 395) 

Music

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in MUS courses, specifically:
    1. Honors Contracts in two classes required for the student’s major. 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, which may include:   
    • MUS 299: Honors Independent Study
    • HON 395: Honors Thesis 

Honors in the Major School of Music Capstone Project Examples

Note: students do NOT have to choose a project representative of their major within the School of Music but should choose their advisor to align with their area of interest for the project

Music Education:

  • Clinical Experience
  • Private Practice Business Plan  

Music Therapy:

  • Research Proposal  

Performance:

  • Children’s concert/marketing
  • Other outreach performance/marketing
  • Chamber recital/program notes
  • Lecture Recital
  • Collaborative Recital
  • Research Project  

Music Business:

  • Music Business/Entrepreneurship Business Plan
  • Composition / recording / pressing and distribution / marketing plan for an album release + release concert at a commercial venue
  • Implement a detailed social media campaign for an artist/song
  • Start a student-run publishing company  

Music Theory/Composition:

  • Traditional Composition: Multi-movement work suitable for publication (e.g., chamber or large ensemble, professional bound/formatted, custom made cover/notes/etc.), with a performance on campus
  • Theory: Large scale theory/analysis paper that supplements or contrasts work done in the capstone experience of MUS 342 (e.g., a theory pedagogy study).
  • New Media: Collaborative project on/off, scoring music for a start up game/film, with a presentation on the process on campus, or documented in a blog/series of extensive social media posts (envisioning this as a way to start building a searchable portfolio)    

Musicology:

  • Recital of own music — coordinate, perform, discuss (presentation)
  • Original 2-movement piece using classical forms and style
  • Analysis and presentation
  • Analysis of style, compositions in that style, presentation
  • Extended Research paper/presentation
  • Organize recital of particular composer, coach, present
  • Explore an early music instrument
  • Program notes for senior recital

Conducting:

  • Program the repertoire for an entire year for an ensemble of choice
  • Propose an alternative concert venue/program/ensemble make up for a current ISU Ensemble
  • Create a personal top 10 repertoire list for an ensemble of choice  

Nursing

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 3 Honors Learning Experiences in NUR: 
    Traditional & Accelerated BSN 
    1. Honors Section or Honors Contract in NUR 229
    2. Honors Contract in NUR 231, 314, 316, 317, 325, 326, 327, 329, or 339; or Honors Contract in Transcultural experience: NUR 312 or 313
    3. Honors Contract in NUR 231, 314, 316, 317, 325, 326, 327, 329, or 339; or Honors Contract in Transcultural experience: NUR 312 or 313 
    RN/BSN 
    1. Honors Contract in NUR 223, 226, 227, 236, 238, 240, 330, 340, or 341
    2. Honors Contract in NUR 223, 226, 227, 236, 238, 240, 330, 340, or 341
    3. Honors Contract in NUR 223, 226, 227, 236, 238, 240, 330, 340, or 341
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    1. NUR 299: Honors Independent Study 1-3 credit hours
      • Traditional & Accelerated BSN: after completion of NUR 336
      • RN/BSN: after completion of NUR 236 

Philosophy

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in Philosophy: 
    • Honors Contract in a PHI course at the 200 level or above, OR
    • Honors Research with a Philosophy faculty member 
  5. Fulfill the Department’s disciplinary participation requirement by taking part in a philosophy-related undergraduate scholarly event such as a workshop, symposium, or conference.  For example, Honors students may submit their final project in PHI 299 to either the ISU Undergraduate Philosophy Event, the ISU Undergraduate Research Symposium, or some other appropriate venue. If the project is accepted for presentation, Honors students are expected to present their work. 
  6. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience:
    • PHI 299 (1 credit hour): Honors Independent Study taken concurrently with any 300 level Philosophy Course.
      The topic covered in PHI 299 will overlap with the associated 300 level course, but must include substantial additional material and a final project substantially different from that assigned in the 300 level course.  
      The instructor of the 300-level course will supervise the PHI 299 Honors Independent Study course and determine the content, course work, and method of assessment of the PHI 299 component in consultation with the Honors student. 

Physics

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in PHY courses, which may include:
    1. Honors Sections
    2. Honors Contracts
    3. Honors Research 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, which may include: 
    • PHY 299: Honors Independent Study
    • HON 395: Honors Thesis 

Politics and Government

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in POL, specifically:
    1. Honors Contracts in 2 POL classes 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience:   
    • POL 299: Honors Independent Study 

Psychology

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences, specifically: 
    1. Honors Contract in any PSY course
    2. Research (3 hours total of one of the following options, which can be completed over multiple semesters) 
      • HON 285 or 286
      • PSY 290 completed with an Honors Contract (does not count as part of 4a.) 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    • HON 395a03: Honors Thesis, to be completed with a Psychology faculty member with whom the student has previously completed research (PSY 290, HON 285, or HON 286). Students must present their thesis research at the Psychology Department Honors Colloquium. 
      • 3 hours total of HON 395a03, which can be completed over multiple semesters 

Social Work

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 3 Honors Learning Experiences in SWK courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Contract in a SWK course at the 200 or 300 level.
    2. Honors Contract in a SWK course at the 200 or 300 level.
    3. Honors Contract in SWK 394 (choose one of the following options). 
      • Add additional elements to the Integrative Paper Assignment I (e.g. extensive literature review).
      • Develop an applied research proposal (including IRB) in the Fall semester of practicum. 
  5. Honors Capstone Experience:
    Complete an Honors Contract in SWK 395 or SWK 346.  See below for a description of what the Honors Contract should entail:
    Options for Honors Contract in SWK 395; choose one of the following:  
    • Policy Issue White Paper
      Develop a policy white paper that explores a pressing issue requiring action at the national level. A white paper is both educational and persuasive, designed to inform decision-makers and advocate for change. Your paper should include: 
      • Executive Summary – A brief, one- to two-paragraph summary (similar to an abstract) highlighting key points.
      • Introduction – Clearly define the issue, including any terms that may be unfamiliar to decision-makers. 
      • Significance of the Issue – Explain why this issue must be addressed now and its broader implications.
      • Diagnosis of the Problem – Identify social, individual, community, or organizational factors contributing to the problem, with or without theoretical analysis.
      • Description of the Problem – Provide data and evidence documenting the existence of the problem, including affected populations.
      • Scope of the Problem – Discuss the severity and extent of the issue within a specific geographical context (e.g., community, state, or national level).
      • Costs to Individuals – Describe the consequences for those directly affected, including mental, physical, emotional, and socioeconomic impacts.
      • Costs to Society – Outline broader societal consequences, including economic, social, and political effects.
      • Benefits of Addressing the Issue – Explain the advantages of investing resources (e.g., funding, personnel, time) in solutions.
      • Policy Recommendations – Propose specific strategies to address the issue.
      • Reference List – Cite all sources in APA format, including any personal communications.
      • Format Requirements – The white paper should be approximately 6 pages in length. Use double-spacing and label each section with the provided headings. 
    • Integrative Thesis Presentation  
      Summarize your placement experience by connecting it to the four major areas covered in your integrative paper assignments: Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Practice, Policy, and Research.
      Choose one of the following presentation formats:  
      • Table display or poster presentation at Career Services’ Experiential Learning Showcase
      • A formal presentation at a School of Social Work all-staff meeting or your field placement site. 
    • Research Implementation & Symposium Presentation
      Implement the research proposal you developed in the fall semester during the spring semester. Analyze and report your findings. Present your information at the University Research Symposium.

      Option for an Honors Contract in SWK 346: 

    • Organizational Change for the Human Services
      Identify and analyze a problem, need, or challenge within your field placement site. Your project should include the following sections: 
      • Assessing the Need for Change – Explain why change is necessary while considering reasons the current approach might be maintained.
      • Defining Desired Outcomes – Clearly articulate the intended impact of the proposed change.
      • Building Support – Develop a strategy to gain buy-in from organizational members and decision-makers.
      • Identifying Key Stakeholders – Determine who supports the change and who will help lead the effort.
      • Planning for Implementation – Outline the steps, activities, and resources (e.g., personnel, funding, time, space) required to enact the change.
      • Engaging Decision-Makers – Identify those with the authority to approve, fund, or implement the change.
      • Addressing Resistance – Recognize individuals or groups likely to oppose the change, explore the reasons for their resistance, and develop strategies to manage or mitigate it. 

Optional Resource: Packard, T. (2021). Organizational change for the human services. New York: Oxford University Press. ►Permalink to the free Milner e-copy of Organizational Change for the Human Services. Services  ⟾ Organizational Change for the Human Services Permalink 

Sociology

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in SOC courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Contract in a 100, 200, or 300 level course
    2. Honors Contract in a 100, 200, or 300 level course 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, specifically: 
    • SOC 299: Honors Independent Study or HON 395: Honors Thesis taken concurrently with SOC 300 

Special Education

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in SED courses with a grade of “B” or better, which may include: 
    1. Honors Section of an SED course
    2. Honors Contract in an SED course 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience:
    • SED 299: Honors Independent Study (1 – 3 credit hours) with an SED faculty member 

Teaching and Learning

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in TCH courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Section or Honors Contract in a TCH course required for the major
    2. Honors Section or Honors Contract in a TCH course required for the major
      • For the second experience, Middle Level Education majors may complete an Honors Section or Honors Contract in a course required for one of the two subject areas. 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    • TCH 299: Honors Independent study (3 hours with a TCH faculty member) 

Technology

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in TEC: 
    1. Honors Contract in a TEC course at the 200 or 300 level.
    2. Honors Contract in a TEC course at the 200 or 300 level. 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience: 
    • TEC 299: Honors Independent Study (1 – 3 credit hours) 

Theatre, Dance, and Film

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

  1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
  2. 3.5 major GPA
  3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: complete one Honors Learning Experience each semester in the program.
  4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in THE courses, specifically: 
    1. Honors Contracts in two THE classes required for the major. 
  5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience, which may include: 
    • THE 299: Honors Independent Study
    • HON 395: Honors Thesis 

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