Program Overview

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Honors Program in Psychology and Neuroscience

The Honors Program in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience offers students completing the Psychology or Neuroscience major an excellent opportunity to get involved in research. The program is for students with strong academic records who wish to devote a substantial amount of time in their senior year to a senior honors thesis.

Program Details

• Requirements & Due Dates
• Library Thesis Submission
• Registration
• Restrictions
• Honors Societies
• FAQ

Requirements and Due Dates

Junior Year

• November 1: Honors Program Application to Participate
• April: Submit your thesis proposal to your advisor and second reader
• April (Registration for Fall): Submit a Syllabus/Contract Form for PSYC4495 and PSYC4496
• May 1: Honors Thesis Proposal Approval Form

Senior Year

• PSYC4495 Senior Honors Thesis I (3 credits)
• PSYC4496 Senior Honors Thesis II (3 credits)
• One 5000-level PSYC course (3 credits)
• April: Submit your thesis to your advisor and second reader
• May 1: Honors Thesis Approval Form

Library Thesis Submission

The BC Library encourages each student writing a thesis to submit it online. Instructions can be found on their website.

Registration

The University requires a written, signed syllabus/contract between the instructor and student for all non-scheduled undergraduate courses.

Restrictions

No Teaching Assistants

These courses cannot be used as compensation for teaching assistant duties.

Student Employees

If you are enrolled in Undergraduate Research, Independent Study, or a thesis course, you cannot be paid for the same work.

Honors Societies

Psi Chi

Psi Chi is a national honor society whose purpose is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of individuals studying psychology.

Nu Rho Psi

Nu Rho Psi is the national honor society in neuroscience, which fosters excellence in neuroscience scholarship and research.

FAQ

Why should I participate in the Honors Program?

One of the best ways to learn is through doing—joining the Honors Program will allow you to explore your interests in the field of psychology and learn the scientific method through hands-on experience.

Is the Honors Program distinct from the MCAS Honors Program?

Our Honors Program is different from the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program.

How are students invited to join the Honors Program?

The Honors Program has a GPA requirement both in your major and overall. Students who meet the GPA requirement at the end of their sophomore year will be invited to join the program.

What kind of research will I need to conduct?

In most cases, the proposed research will be part of an ongoing project in the advisor's research laboratory.

How can I identify a research question?

You will work with your advisor to develop a specific and testable research question.

Can I participate in the Honors Program if I plan to study abroad for all or part of my junior year?

Yes, we accommodate students studying abroad by allowing for some flexibility in meeting required deadlines.

What steps should I take as a junior?

• Read about faculty research interests and the different research laboratories
• Email one of the Graduate Student Coordinators to discuss your research interests and identify a potential faculty advisor
• Email your potential advisor and request an appointment to discuss your ideas for your Honors Thesis
• Complete the preliminary Honors Program Application to Participate and submit it to the department main office by November 1

What steps should I take as a senior?

• Enroll in PSYC4495 Senior Honors Thesis I (3 credits) and PSYC4496 Senior Honors Thesis II (3 credits)
• Enroll in one 5000-level PSYC course (3 credits)
• Submit your thesis to your advisor and second reader by mid-April
• Submit an Honors Thesis Approval Form to the department main office by May 1

What happens when I complete the Honors Program?

At the end of your senior year, you will receive a letter signed by the Director of the Honors Program and the Chairperson of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience indicating that you have completed the Honors Program.