Research and Creative Honors
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Program Overview
In the Research and Creative Honors Program (RH), students undertake an Honors Thesis – an independent research/creative project – while also completing four HON 400-level seminars.
Research and Creative Honors (RH) is suitable for undergraduate transfer students, as well as for continuing 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students who have completed the majority of their general education courses. University Honors students may choose to complete RH and graduate with two Honors College distinctions.
Program Requirements
RH students must complete the following 16-18 credits:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| HON 498 Honors Thesis/Project I | 1-3 credits |
| HON 499 Honors Thesis/ Project II | 3 credits |
| Four HON 400-level seminars* | 12 credits |
*Note: Current students in University Honors (UH) do not need to take additional HON 400s beyond those included in the UH requirements. UH students, therefore, only need to successfully complete HON 498 and HON 499 to satisfy RH requirements.
Students who are RH-only must complete at least one HON 400-level seminar before starting HON 498.
Please review the RH Program Learning Outcomes for more information.
Honors Thesis
The Honors Thesis is a comprehensive research/creative project completed over two sequential semesters. RH students work closely with a Faculty Advisor – a professor typically from the student’s academic major – to develop and refine the project. Most RH projects culminate in a traditional research thesis, but students majoring in the arts may complete thesis projects that take the shape of an original creative work.
Honors Seminars
RH students must also complete four HON 400-level seminar courses. Taught by professors from an array of academic disciplines, these one-of-a-kind courses create a powerful atmosphere for invigorating class discussions, discovery, and deep learning. These seminars can be used to satisfy certain general education core requirements (verify with your Honors Advisor).
Program Eligibility
In order to apply for RH, students must have the following qualifications:
- A cumulative university GPA of 3.50 or higher
- Completed at least 30 credits (sophomore standing)
- Excellent writing skills (as demonstrated by a writing sample)
Students typically apply for RH at the end of their sophomore year or early in their junior year.
Latin Honors Designation
Students who complete RH will graduate Cum Laude if their cumulative 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ GPA is between 3.30 and 3.49; Magna cum Laude if their 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ GPA is between 3.50 and 3.69; or Summa cum Laude if they achieve an ‘A’ grade for the Honors Thesis (HON 499) and a final GPA of 3.70 or higher.
Application Deadlines
For Current Honors College Students
If you are currently enrolled in the University Honors program and intend to start HON 498 in the Fall semester, please submit your application by the first Friday in August. If you plan to begin HON 498 in the Spring semester, your application should be submitted by the first Friday in January.
Students New to the Honors College:
Applicants who are not currently in the Honors College should be aware that they must complete at least one HON 400-level seminar before enrolling in HON 498. Therefore, if you plan to start your first HON 400-level seminar in the Fall semester, please submit your application by the second Friday in August. If you aim to begin your first HON 400-level seminar in the Spring semester, your application should be submitted by the second Friday in January.