Biology Honors Research

Opportunity Description:

Biology majors in the College who hope to pursue an Honors degree must complete a thesis requirement. Honors in Biological Sciences can be earned via one of two tracks. The first, Scholar Honors, recognizes exceptional academic performance in the major demonstrated by outstanding success in the classroom (minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.75 or above) along with accomplishments in research leading to submission and acceptance of a scholarly thesis. The second, Research Honors, demands a solid record in the classroom (minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above) but has a greater emphasis on accomplishments in original research, typically in a laboratory setting, leading to submission and acceptance of an in-depth research thesis.

Acceptance into the Research Honors program includes a guarantee of stipend and fee support for research during the summer prior to graduation.  Half of the support will be provided by the BSCD with matching funds provided or arranged by the research Mentor, unless other funding is obtained.  No similar BSCD support will be provided for Scholars Honors candidates who opt to pursue research over the summer, but they are welcome to obtain funding from other sources including their Mentor.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Both Honors tracks require formal declaration of intent to seek Honors in Spring Quarter of the third year of study.  An Honors degree is only available to students who will graduate as fourth-year students in the Spring quarter. Students planning to graduate prior to completing at least four full academic years are not eligible. Students who have taken a leave of absence, spent time at another institution or transferred from another institution may apply for Honors as long as they have been in residence for their full third year as a student in the College.

Application Process: 

Please see the Honors in Biology web page for details.