Departmental Honors
The purpose of departmental honors is to reward students for
exceptional achievement within their major. Students are
nominated for departmental honors by the head of the department of
their academic major. Three levels of departmental honors are
awarded:
| Honors |
High Honors |
Highest Honors |
| 3.6 GPA in the Major |
3.7 GPA in the Major and either Comprehensive Examination OR
Honors Thesis |
3.8 GPA in the Major and Comprehensive Examination AND Honors
Thesis |
Honors Thesis:
The thesis is a major research or creative project,
usually (but not necessarily) in the field of the student's major,
and advised by a full-time faculty member. The project begins
following approval of the thesis proposal, and the completed thesis
is due on the Friday after spring break.
Comprehensive Examination:
This exam is developed and administered by the department.
It includes a written component. It also includes a component
that is common to all students, and that tests their understanding
of core knowledge in the discipline. The questions require
synthesis of ideas and comprehensive reflection about a substantial
portion of the student's coursework in the department.