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Department of Astronomy

Departmental Honors

Students on Summer 2020, Fall 2020, or Spring 2021 requirements AST-HON

The honors program is designed for superior students who are working toward the Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics and plan to pursue graduate studies in this field.

Requirements

  1. Honors Research.
    1. Senior Year Honors Research. At least one (1) semester for three (3) credit hours:
      • AST-S 499 Honors Research
    2. Research Report. Successfully write a research report (thesis) and make an oral presentation describing the work to the Department of Astronomy in a minicolloquium.
  2. Astronomy GPA. Honors candidates must have a GPA of at least 3.300 in all astronomy, mathematics, and physics courses at the time of graduation.
  3. GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
    1. Students must have a College GPA of 3.300 or higher to qualify for admission to a Departmental Honors program and to receive Departmental Honors. Units may set a higher College GPA.
    2. Units establish additional criteria, including admissions procedures, academic performance standards, and whether there are required courses, papers, or projects.
    3. Students who wish to earn honors in two different units must complete a distinct body of work for each honors notation.

Exceptions to and substitutions for honors requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.