To earn the distinction of Departmental Scholar Cum Laude at graduation, a student must successfully complete requirements prescribed by the major department, including an honors thesis and oral examination, maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.25, and take 12 hours (which may include six hours of thesis) in Honors Studies. If astudent demonstrates superior academic performance or an exceptionally high level of scholarly activity, the Honors Council may award the distinction of Magna Cum Laude. In exceptional instances where truly outstanding work within the major field is coupled with the superior understanding of its relationship to the college work as a whole, the distinction Summa Cum Laude may be awarded.

Follow the links below to view the Departmental Honors Requirements for a specific course of study within Fulbright College.

African American Studies

Available as a dual major only. Contact department for Honors Requirements.

American Studies

The Departmental Honors Program in American Studies offers junior and senior students the opportunity to enroll in enriched courses and to conduct independent research. In addition to satisfying all other requirements for the major, honors candidates must complete at least 12 hours of honors work, including six in honors essay. The Honors Program in American Studies requires a total of 33 hours in addition to University and college requirements. .

Anthropology

The Departmental Honors Program in Anthropology provides an opportunity for outstanding undergraduate majors to conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. The research project culminates in an honors thesis, which is primary for the award “Anthropology Scholar Cum Laude.” Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the candidate’s entire program of honors studies. Honors candidates must meet the college requirements for an honors degree. They must complete and defend an honors thesis and take 12 hours, which may include 6 hours of thesis, in Honors Studies. The candidate is expected to maintain a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade-point average in anthropology and other course work, to participate in anthropology honors colloquia, and is encouraged to take honors courses outside the anthropology department.

Art

As part of the Honors Studies Program of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, the department of art provides the opportunity for academically superior junior- and senior-level students to acquire broader and deeper knowledge and skills in the visual arts and related disciplines. This is accomplished through independent research projects in studio art and/or art history under the direction of the art faculty. Outstanding achievement is recognized by awarding the distinction “Art Scholar Cum Laude.” Students may apply for honors studies beginning in the second semester of their sophomore year and normally will not be accepted into the program after completion of the second semester of their junior year. The department requires each applicant to have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 in all college course work, a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in all course work taken in the department of art, completed ARHS 2913 and ARHS 2923, completed at least 20 semester hours of work in art department courses, and at least 30 semester hours of general education requirements. Included in those hours, a student must complete and defend an honors thesis and take 12 hours, which may include 6 hours of thesis, in honors studies. Higher degree distinctions take into consideration the student’s entire academic career and are recommended for only those students whose honors projects and programs of study demonstrate a truly exceptional degree of creativity and scholarship.

Asian Studies

Available as a dual major only. Contact department for Honors Requirements.

Biology

The biologicalsciences honors program is designed to provide students an opportunity to investigate questions in biology through an expanded reading program and research experience. Biological science majors may apply to enter the program between the second semester of the sophomore year and the end of the junior year. Application is made through both Honors Studies (MAIN 517) and the Department of Biological Sciences (SCEN 601). Applicants must have a 3.5 gradepoint average. Students should consult with their adviser to identify and contact a potential faculty research mentor. The student’s research activities will then be directed by the departmental faculty member who agrees to sponsor the student. Students may enroll for up to four hours of credit in BIOL 399VH during the junior year and up to eight hours of credit in BIOL 499V during the senior year. A maximum of six of these credits may be applied toward a major. Participants must complete and defend an honors thesis and take 12 hours in Honors Studies, which may include six hours of thesis. The honors thesis is based on an original research project and presented orally before a committee composed of two faculty from the biological sciences, a person from outside the biological sciences, and a representative from the Honors Council. This committee makes a recommendation concerning the award of the honors distinction to the Honors Council. Students who successfully complete the departmental honors program usually graduate as “Departmental Scholar Cum Laude.” Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in exceptional cases and are based upon the candidate’s entire involvement in the honors program. Completion of an honors thesis fulfills the writing requirement in biological sciences, which precludes credit for BIOL 498V (Senior Thesis) for the same body of work. Writing Requirement: The college writing requirement for majors in biology may be met by one of the following: 1. Completion of an honors thesis, 2. Completion of a senior thesis (BIOL 498V) supervised by a faculty member in biological sciences, 3. Completion of a required term paper with a grade of B or above in a course numbered above 3000 on a topic approved by the instructor, or 4. Completion of a paper, supervised by a faculty member, in Special Problems (BIOL 480V)

Chemistry

Students with good academic backgrounds and strong interests in research are encouraged to participate in the department of chemistry and biochemistry honors program. Entrance into the program is normally during the sophomore year or the first semester of the junior year, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 is required. Entrance is initiated by consulting the faculty academic adviser, who will help arrange conferences with potential faculty research project advisers. When there is agreement between the student and the adviser on a research project or area, an Honors Advisory Committee is set up to supervise the honors candidate’s program. The heart of the program is the research project, but students are encouraged to broaden their experience beyond required courses within chemistry, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. Participation in Honors Colloquia, honors sections of regular courses, and chemistry departmental and divisional seminars is especially recommended. All honors candidates enroll in the spring semester Honors Seminar (CHEM 4011H), and senior honors students must make at least one seminar presentation. All honors candidates will be required to complete and defend an honors thesis and take 12 hours (which may include 6 hours of thesis) in Honors Studies. The thesis is required in the spring semester of the senior year, followed by an oral presentation. On the basis of these written and oral reports and their evaluation of all aspects of the student’s honor program, the candidate’s Honors Advisory Committee will recommend whether or not the distinction “Chemistry or Biochemistry Scholar Cum Laude” should be awarded. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Classical Studies

The Honors Program in Classical Studies gives students of high ability the opportunity to strengthen their study of classics by intensifying their experience with ancient languages and cultures. In addition to the requirements for graduation with a major in classical studies and the general college requirements for a B.A. degree, honors candidates in classical studies must 1. be accepted as honors candidates by the Classical Studies Committee, 2. complete at least three semesters in a second classical language, 3. enroll in at least two 1-hour units of CLST 399VH and pursue independent- study topics under the guidance of classical studies faculty, 4. enroll for two hours of CLST 399VH and write an honors thesis, and 5. defend and discuss their entire honors program in an oral examination. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Classical Studies Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Communication

The Honors Program in communication gives an opportunity for a student to achieve an additional level of intellectual growth and a satisfaction of accomplishment. A student engages in independent research and writing, under the supervision of a member of the communication faculty, and participates in special honors classes, seminars, and colloquia. Faculty recognize outstanding achievement by a student by recommending that the bachelor’s degree in communication be awarded with the distinction “Communication Scholar Cum Laude.” Higher distinctions may be awarded to truly outstanding students based upon the whole of their academic program and quality of honors research. To enter the Honors Program, a student must possess a 3.5 minimum grade-point average on all academic work and receive the recommendation of a faculty member in communication to the Honors Council of Fulbright College. A student may pursue an independent research program of a historical, critical, descriptive, or experimental nature, within any of the areas of rhetorical or communication theory, history of public address, interpersonal, small-group, or organizational communication, persuasion, argumentation, political communication, freedom of speech, communication education, or in any closely related areas of inquiry. A student interested in mass communications, broadcasting, or film may choose to pursue either a research project or a creative study. In addition to satisfying the general college and departmental requirements for a bachelor’s degree, a student must satisfy departmental honors requirements, which include the following: 1. become an honors candidate no later than the first semester of the junior year of study, 2. enroll in COMM 399VH, Honors Course, a minimum of one hour of credit each semester during the junior-senior years, 3. achieve a 3.5 minimum grade-point average in communication, 4. take 12 hours, which may include 6 hours of thesis in Honors Studies, and 5. write and defend before a faculty examining committee a thesis based on the investigative or creative project undertaken in COMM 399VH.

Drama

The Departmental Honors Program in Drama provides upper-division undergraduate students with an opportunity to formally participate in creative and scholarly activities in theatre. Honors candidates engage in independent study and research under the guidance of the drama faculty and participate in special honors seminars and colloquia. Outstanding student achievement will be recognized by awarding the distinction “Drama Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. In addition to satisfying the general college requirements for the bachelor’s degree with Honors, honors candidates in drama must: 1. become a candidate no later than the second semester of their junior year, 2. enroll in honors colloquia when available, 3. enroll in six hours of honors research DRAM 399VH, 4. complete and defend in oral examination an honors thesis based upon the project carried out in DRAM 399VH, and 5. achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the candidate’s entire academic program. Usually these are awarded only to students with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or above, whose project demonstrates a high degree of creativity and scholarship.

Economics

The Departmental Honors program provides upper-division students the opportunity to engage in independent study or research under the guidance of an individual member of the faculty. In addition to satisfying the general college requirements for the bachelor’s degree with honors, honors candidates in economics are required to complete and orally defend an honors thesis based upon independent study under ECON 399VH (for 3 to 6 hours) and to have a minimum grade-point average of 3.5. Outstanding student achievement will be recognized by awarding the bachelor’s degree with the distinction “Economics Scholar Cum Laude.” Higher distinctions may be awarded to truly outstanding students based upon the whole of their academic program and quality of honors research.

English

The Departmental Honors Program in English allows upper-division undergraduates to strengthen their study of English and adapt it to their interests. Honors candidates enroll in special courses and do directed independent study and research. In addition to the college and departmental requirements for the major in English and the general college requirements for the B.A. degree, each honors candidate in English must 1. be accepted as an honors candidate by the department, 2. complete at least nine hours of honors course work, at least three hours of which must be in English, 3. enroll in at least three hours of Senior Thesis ENGL 498V and write an honors thesis, either a critical study or a creative writing project, and 4. defend the candidate’s entire honors program in an oral examination. Candidates may petition to enroll in a departmental graduate seminar. Candidates who complete the honors program with merit will graduate with the distinction “English Scholar Cum Laude.” The distinctions of Magna Cum Laude and Summa Cum Laude will be awarded only for exceptional work and will be based on the candidate’s entire honors program.

EUST

The Honors Program in European Studies gives junior and senior students of high ability the opportunity to enroll in enriched courses and conduct independent research culminating in an honors thesis. In addition to satisfying the general Fulbright College requirements for graduation and the basic eligibility requirements for honors as established by the Honors Council, candidates for honors in European Studies must complete 12 hours of honors credit in partial satisfaction of requirements for the co-major. One to six of these may be thesis hours (EUST 399VH). The preferred method for satisfying the remaining hours is to enroll in the colloquium at least once for honors credit (EUST 4003H) and to take relevant honors colloquia or graduate courses (with permission) in one of the departments contributing to this interdisciplinary area study. The thesis committee shall include a representative from the major discipline (in the case of multiple majors, from the discipline contributing most significantly to the topic). Successful completion of these requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “European Studies Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Foreign Languages

The Honors Program in Foreign Languages gives students of high ability the opportunity to conduct independent research culminating in an honors thesis. In addition to satisfying general graduation requirements and all requirements for honors separately established by the Honors Council, candidates for honors in Foreign Languages must: 1. complete 12 hours of honors credit. One to six of these may be honors thesis hours; the remaining hours should be taken in disciplines chosen in consultation with the adviser; 2. complete an honors thesis in the major field, and pass an oral examination on the thesis conducted by an honors committee, as evidence of substantial individual research skills; 3. demonstrate superior competence in language, culture, and literature by achieving a GPA. of 3.5 in all upper-division courses submitted for the major. Successful completion of these requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Language Scholar Cum Laude.” Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Geography

Admission to the Departmental Honors Program in Geography is open to geography majors with a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in all their work. All honors candidates must take 12 hours, which may include 6 hours of thesis, in Honors Studies. During the fall semester of either the junior or senior year the candidate will enroll in GEOG 399VH (no more than three hours of credit), an undergraduate seminar in geographical philosophy and methodology. During the senior year the honors candidate will complete the program by writing a senior honors paper under GEOG 399VH (no more than three hours of credit). Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Geography Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Geology

The Departmental Honors Program in Geology provides upper-division undergraduate students with an opportunity to formally participate in geologic research activities. Honors candidates carry out independent study and research under the guidance of the geology faculty. Outstanding student achievement will be recognized by awarding the distinction “Geology Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions may be awarded to truly outstanding students based upon the whole of their academic program and quality of honors research. Honors candidates in geology must do the following: 1. Satisfy departmental and college requirements for a bachelor’s degree with honors, 2. Become a candidate no later than the second semester of their junior year, 3. Enroll in six hours of honors research GEOL 3901, GEOL 3911, GEOL 4922, GEOL 4932, 4. Take 12 hours in Honors Studies, which may include 6 hours of thesis, 5. Complete junior and senior honors courses GEOL 3901, GEOL 3911, GEOL 4922, GEOL 4932, and 6. Achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.30 in geology courses.

History

Admission to the Departmental Honors Program in History is open to history majors with a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 in all their work. Prospective Departmental Honors students must take 12 hours in Honors Studies, of which 6 hours must include HIST 3973H Honors Methods (Spring semester, junior year and HIST 399VH, Honors History Thesis, Fall or Spring semester, senior year). During the senior year, the honors candidate will complete the program by writing a senior honors thesis. Successful completion of the program will be recognized by the award of the distinction “History Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

International Relations

Available as a dual major only. Contact department for Honors Requirements.

Journalism

The Journalism Honors Program gives upper-division undergraduates a chance to pursue journalistic research in the context of other academic disciplines. Honors candidates carry out independent study and research under the guidance of the journalism faculty and participate in honors classes in journalism and at least one other discipline. Outstanding student achievement will be recognized by the award of distinction “Journalism Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in cases of exceptional achievement and are based on the candidate’s total honors studies program. To be considered for such distinctions, students must earn a minimum cumulative 3.50 grade-point average in journalism. Journalism Departmental Honors students must satisfy the general Fulbright College honors requirements as stated elsewhere in this catalog. In addition, for journalism departmental honors, they must complete a minimum of 12 hours in honors credits, with thesis credit determined by departmental rules. These requirements are specified as follows: Journalism Four-Year and Departmental Honors students must: 1. enter the program no later than the first semester of their junior year, and register for thesis beginning with the first semester of the junior year, 2. complete at least one journalism honors colloquium, 3. complete the journalism honors core research course JOUR 5043, 4. complete an approved honors colloquium in a second discipline, 5. complete and orally defend an honors thesis based on honors courses of study, and 6. earn a cumulative 3.50 grade-point average in journalism courses. Four-Year Honors students who would like to major in journalism must meet all requirements for Journalism Department Honors. More specific information on the Journalism Departmental Honors program, including the requirements for Four-Year Honors students, is available from the Journalism Department Honors adviser.

LAST

The Honors Program in Latin American studies gives junior and senior students of high ability the opportunity to enroll in enriched courses and conduct independent research culminating in an honors thesis. In addition to satisfying the general Fulbright College requirements for graduation and the basic eligibility requirements for honors as established by the Honors Council, candidates for honors in Latin American studies must complete 12 hours of honors credit in partial satisfaction of requirements for the co-major. One to six of these may be thesis hours (LAST 399VH). The preferred method for satisfying the remaining hours is to enroll in the colloquium at least once for honors credit (LAST 4003H) and to take relevant honors colloquia or graduate courses (with permission) in one of the departments contributing to this interdisciplinary area study. The thesis committee shall include a representative from the major discipline (in the case of multiple majors, from the discipline contributing most significantly to the topic). Successful completion of these requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Latin American Studies Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Mathematics

The Departmental Honors Program in Mathematics is designed for the superior student and is intended to help the student develop a more comprehensive view of the nature of mathematics. The program provides a vehicle for the recognition of the achievements of work beyond the usual course of study and earns the student the distinction “Mathematics Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Graduation with honors: The candidate must satisfy the requirements set forth by the Honors Council. The candidate must also obtain at least a 3.50 grade-point average in mathematics courses numbered MATH 2554, MATH 2564, MATH 2574, MATH 3083, MATH 3113, MATH 3404, and MATH 4513, as well as in the additional mathematics courses necessary to complete the requirements for the chosen option. In addition, a grade of “D” or “F” in any other course offered by the department disqualifies a student for honors. Candidates must take one year of honors mathematics in their senior year. This course will require an acceptable paper and will carry two hours of credit per semester. The quality of this paper, along with the execution of the rest of the student’s honors program including the overall academic performance, will be used in determining the distinction between Honors and High Honors.

Middle Eastern Studies

Available as a dual major only. Contact department for honors requirements.

Music

The Departmental Honors Program in Music provides upper-division
undergraduate students an opportunity to participate formally in
scholarly, creative, or performance music activities. Honors candidates
carry out independent study, research and performance under
the guidance of the music faculty and participate in special honors
classes and seminars. They must take 12 hours (which may include 6
hours of thesis) in Honors Studies.
For each student there is a committee consisting of at least the
honors adviser, the major teacher in the area of the honors project, a
member from a department outside the music department (chosen by
the student), and a member of the Honors Council. This committee is
responsible for hearing and seeing the work of the student in the area
of the honors project and will administer the oral examination to the
candidate at the end of the last semester of the student’s work. The
committee then recommends to the Honors Council whether or not
the student receives honors in music. Outstanding student achievement
will be recognized by awarding the distinction “Music Scholar
Cum Laude” at graduation. The award of higher degree distinctions
is recommended only in truly exceptional cases and is based upon
the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.
The student may elect to do the honors project in one of five areas:
performance, music history and literature, theory, composition, or music
education. Honors work may be done in an area other than the student’s
major area that is, a student majoring in voice performance may elect to
do honors work in music history, theory, or composition, etc.
If a student wishes to devise his or her own honors project in
consultation with a supervising professor and with the permission of
the department chair, he or she may be granted honors. If a student
wishes to combine work in more than one field and if the committee
approves, he or she may be granted honors in more than one area,
although the designation on the diploma will read “in music.”
The requirements for work in each area are as follows:
1. Performance
a. 2 semesters of MUAP 310VH, with concurrent registration in
MUAP 3201H and MUAP 4201H
b. Other music department honors courses are recommended,
see honors adviser. (A program file representing the student’s
range of performance activities during the junior and senior
years will be maintained for the department file and for the
Honors Council. Cassette tapes of the junior and senior recitals
will be filed with the Honors Office.)
2. History and Literature
a. Junior year: MUHS 5973 Seminar in Bibliography and
Methods of Research
b. Senior year: MUSC 490VH Honors Essay
3. Theory
a. Junior year: MUHS 5973 Seminar in Bibliography and
Methods of Research
b. Senior year: MUSC 490VH Honors Essay
4. Composition
a. At least six hours of MUTH 364VH Honors Composition II
b. A full program of original compositions or equivalent.
5. Music Education
a. Junior year: MUED 5513 Seminar: Resources in Music
Education
b. Senior year: MUSC 490VH Honors Essay

Philosophy

The purpose of the honors program is to provide the honors candidate with the opportunity of achieving greater maturity in dealing with philosophical ideas through independent study. The candidate’s plan of study will include the reading of significant philosophical works. Normally a candidate will complete a total of three to six hours of independent readings in philosophy during his or her junior and senior years. In addition, it is recommended that the candidate register for honors courses and colloquia. One colloquium is required. The candidate will be expected to take 12 hours (which may include 6 hours of thesis) in Honors Studies and to write an essay during his or her senior year and give a satisfactory account of the honors readings and senior essay in an oral examination. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Philosophy Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Physics

The Departmental Honors Program in Physics provides upper-division undergraduate students with an opportunity to formally participate in scholarly physics activities. Honors candidates carry out independent study and research under the guidance of the physics faculty and participate in special honors classes, seminars, and colloquia. Outstanding student achievement will be recognized by awarding the distinction “Physics Scholar Cum Laude’’ at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies. To be considered as a candidate for higher distinctions, however, a student must achieve at least a 3.50 cumulative grade-point average in physics and mathematics. In addition to satisfying the general college requirements for the bachelor’s degree with honors, an honors candidate in physics must 1. become a candidate no later than the first semester of the junior year of study, 2. enroll in honors sections of physics courses when available, 3. enroll in six hours of honors research PHYS 399VH, 4. enroll in at least one physics honors colloquium PHYS 3923H, 5. complete and orally defend an honors thesis based upon the project carried out in PHYS 399VH, and 6. achieve a cumulative grade-point average of 3.125 in physics.

Political Science

The Departmental Honors Program in Political Science offers junior and senior students the opportunity to enroll in enriched and advanced courses and to do independent research in their senior year. Honors candidates are eligible for honors colloquia, honors courses, some advanced seminars, and an independent studies project, usually in close collaboration with one or more members of the faculty. In addition to satisfying the general college honors requirements for the bachelor’s degree, honors candidates in political science must successfully complete at least 12 hours of honors work. Six of the 12 hours will be senior essay credit (PLSC 499VH) and will be taken during the senior year. Successful completion and defense of senior essay or thesis is a major part of the Political Science Honors Program, and students should begin discussing it with the Honors Adviser during their junior year. The preferred methods for satisfying the remaining six hours is to enroll in an honors colloquium (3923H) in political science or another department, by enrolling in a graduate seminar in political science, or by enrolling in PLSC 399VH (honors course). Under exceptional circumstances, students may satisfy honors requirements by enrolling in PLSC 394V, by enrolling in honors sections in other departments, or by enrolling in colloquia or graduate seminars in other departments, each of which requires approval by the department chairperson. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Political Science Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies. For full details consult the chairperson of the political science department.

Psychology

Both the four-year and the Departmental Honors Program in Psychology provide undergraduate students with an opportunity to formally participate in scholarly psychology activities. Honors candidates carry out independent study and research under the guidance of the psychology faculty and participate in special honors classes, seminars, and colloquia. In addition to satisfying the general college honors requirements, honors candidates in psychology are required to complete and orally defend an honors thesis based upon the independent study carried out in PSYC 399VH. In order to successfully complete the required thesis, students should choose an honor’s adviser as early as possible. An adviser should be selected, and an Honor’s Agreement completed, no later than the first semester in a student’s junior year. Students must register for, and complete, a minimum of 6 hours of PSYC 399VH. PSYC 399VH may be taken for 1 to 6 hours of credit each semester and repeated for a maximum of 12 hours. Nine hours are ordinarily needed to complete the research project and to prepare the honors thesis. Honors candidates in psychology are encouraged to enroll in as many honors classes, seminars, and colloquia as possible, or as required by the honor’s program in which they are enrolled. Students graduating with honors typically graduate cum Laude. Higher degree distinctions (Magna cum Laude, Summa cum Laude) are awarded by the Honors Council, recommended only in truly exceptional cases, and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Russian Studies

Available as a dual major only. Contact department for honors requirements.

Social Work

The Departmental Honors Program in Social Work is an upper-division course of study with an independent investigation on a topic in social work. Students work closely with an adviser of their choice to define the goals of an honors project and to develop it to completion. They must take 12 hours (which may include 6 hours of thesis) in Honors Studies. In developing the project, students are encouraged to take honors courses, participate in honors colloquia, and do extensive background reading. The honors thesis may entail a library research J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences University of Arkansas, Fayetteville 191 project, a social work intervention project to be conducted in the field, or a policy analysis project. A research study that requires original data collection and analysis is preferred. In any case, the honors work is a serious long-term undertaking that should have direct value in supplementing the student’s regular departmental academic program. Enrollment in SCWK 399VH takes place after the student has done background reading and has actually begun a project. Students normally enroll in this course for three hours of credit. The course may be repeated for an additional 3 hours of credit if the student’s project is an extensive one. Regardless of the type of project, it is presented in written form and defended at an oral examination before an Honors Council Committee. Projects of extraordinarily high quality may be designated High Honors by the Committee. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Social Work Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Sociology

The Departmental Honors Program in Sociology is an upper-division course of study based on independent investigation on a scholarly topic of sociological interest. To be eligible for sociology honors candidacy, students normally will have completed 28 semester hours and not more than 85 semester hours with a minimum cumulative gradepoint average of 3.5. They must take 12 hours in Honors Studies, which may include 6 hours of thesis. In the junior year, three hours of directed reading, planning, or other work on a research problem should be selected from the following courses: SOCI 399VH Honors Course SOCI 403V Individual Study in Sociology SOCI 4043 Seminar in Sociology. In the senior year, the student will complete an honors project for up to six hours of credit in SOCI 399VH Honors Course. This honors research project will normally consist of an empirical investigation but may, with the approval of the honors director and the other departmental representatives, be intensive library research on a topic. All candidates must pass an oral examination given by an Honors Council Committee. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Sociology Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.

Criminal Justice

The Departmental Honors Program in Criminal Justice is an upper division course of study based on a topic in the area of criminal justice. To be eligible for criminal justice honors candidacy, students normally will have completed 28 semester hours and not more than 85 semester hours with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.5. They must take 12 hours (which may include 6 hours of thesis) in Honors Studies. The honors project may be an intensive study of a topic in criminal justice or an empirical research investigation. The candidate is expected to pass an oral examination given by an Honors Council Committee. Projects of extraordinarily high quality may be designated High Honors by the Committee. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction “Criminal Justice Scholar Cum Laude” at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate’s program of honors studies.