Program Overview

Introduction to the Honors Program

The Jackson School of Geosciences offers a departmental honors program to undergraduate majors. This program is closely tied to the pursuit of advanced research projects, which can significantly enhance a student's résumé and prospects for advancement to graduate school.

Honors Program Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the honors program, students must meet the following requirements:

• A University overall GPA of at least 3.00, and a GPA in geological sciences of at least 3.50.
• Completion of GEO 171H, 172H, and 173H with a grade of at least B.
• Completion of GEO 379H (honors tutorial course) with a grade of at least B.
• Completion at the University of at least 60 semester hours of coursework counted toward the degree.

Honors Courses

The honors program includes the following courses:

171H, 172H, 173H – Research Methods

These courses are restricted to students in the Geological Sciences Honors Program, and others by consent of instructor. The courses provide preparation for independent research projects through exposure to current research programs, facilities, personnel, and projects in the Jackson School of Geosciences.

• Prerequisite: Upper division standing, admission to the Geological Sciences Honors Program, or consent of honors adviser.

379H – Honors Tutorial Course

This course is a special supervised research project resulting in a written honors thesis with an oral defense of the project.

• Prerequisite: GEO 173H, and consent of the student’s research supervisor and the departmental honors advisor.

Program Benefits

The statement “Special Honors in Geological Sciences” will appear on the transcript of each student certified as having completed the honors program. Students interested in the honors program should apply to the departmental honors advisors when they have completed 60 semester hours of coursework, including at least 8 semester hours of upper-division coursework in geological sciences.