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Honors

Academics / Departments & Programs / Physics & Astronomy / Academics / Honors

Honors requirements for physics and astronomy majors

The requirements for graduation with honors in physics are:

  1. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 and total of six honors courses (18 hours minimum) overall, including two honors courses outside the major
  2. At least three honors courses (of 3 or more semester hours each) in physics or astronomy; at least one of the three must be an advanced theory course from 335-376, excluding 347
  3. Cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 in physics, astronomy, and mathematics collectively
  4. Completion of an approved physics major, with at least 40 semester hours of physics or the secondary education physics major (Astronomy 384 and Astronomy 395 may be counted in the 40 hours.)
  5. Successful completion of a departmentally approved research project in physics or astronomy (typically through summer research) and Physics or Astronomy 395.

To obtain honors credit in any physics or astronomy course, a student can make a contract with the course instructor regarding a special project. Alternatively, a student in an Introductory level physics course up through Physics 235 or in a 100–200 level astronomy course may earn honors in that course by concurrently taking the seminar course, Physics 195, and completing its requirements. A student must earn a grade of “B” or better in a course to receive honors designation for that course.

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