Honors Program in Psychology and Neuroscience
Program Overview
Honors Program in Psychology and Neuroscience
The Senior Honors Program in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has two components:
- Students conduct an independent research project in the laboratory of a faculty member who is affiliated either with the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience or with the Neuroscience major.
- Students enroll in and complete PSYC/NSCI 693H (Fall) and PSYC/NSCI 694H (Spring), which meet once per week.
Eligibility for the Honors Program
Eligibility for the Honors Program requires:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3
- Prior research experience (e.g., volunteer or paid research experience that was not for course credit; in-process completion of PSYC 395 or NSCI 395)
- Confirmation of a Psychology and Neuroscience faculty member or a faculty member affiliated with the Neuroscience major to serve as your Honors Advisor or Co-mentor
Application Process
In order to graduate with Honors in Psychology or Neuroscience, you must apply by April 16 of your Junior Year.
Preparing for the Honors Program
To prepare for the Honors Program as an underclassman:
- Apply yourself in your courses to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3
- Read about research and talk to professors, graduate students, and other undergraduates about your research interests
- Achieve a mastery of research skills by taking PSYC 210 and 270 as soon as feasible
- Obtain research experience by volunteering to work in a faculty lab or by taking PSYC/NSCI 395
To prepare for the Honors Program as a junior:
- Learn about the program by talking to faculty and students
- Seek out research opportunities via research-intensive courses, independent research experiences, paid research assistant positions, and volunteer positions
- Plan ahead, as the Honors Program is designed to be completed during two semesters of the senior year
- Identify a faculty member to serve as your Honors Advisor
Research Mentor
If your Research Mentor is not a Faculty Member in Psychology & Neuroscience, you can still pursue your honors thesis research in a lab/with a mentor outside of Psychology & Neuroscience. However, you will also have to find an “in-house” mentor, a faculty member in the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience who is willing to serve as a co-mentor.
Research Supplies and Equipment
Some equipment and supplies may already be in your Honors Advisor’s laboratory and may be available for your use, free-of-charge. Other materials may be covered under the Honors Advisor’s grant or professorship. However, there may be other materials you will need to purchase on your own. Students are encouraged to apply for research awards to cover necessary expenses.
Honors Defense
To prepare for your Honors Defense:
- Constitute a committee of three, including your Honors Advisor
- The completed thesis must be distributed to all committee members at least one week prior to the oral defense meeting
- Students present their research in about 15 minutes during the oral defense meeting
- Any revisions recommended by the Honors Committee must be made before the deadline for thesis submission
Honors Theses
Past Honors Theses are listed in PDF format.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Do I Prepare for the Honors Program as an Underclassman?
- How Do I Prepare for the Honors Program as a Junior?
- What if my Research Mentor is not a Faculty Member in Psychology & Neuroscience?
- How Will I Pay for Research Supplies and Equipment?
- My only research experience is from PSYC210/270, am I eligible to apply?
- Is the Poster Session Mandatory?
- How Do I Prepare for My Honors Defense?
- Can I still apply if my GPA is below the 3.3 minimum?