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Honors in Psychology

The Honors Program in Psychology is designed for students who are excited about conducting a substantial, original research project over three consecutive semesters. Honors students work closely with a faculty mentor to design, carry out, and present their research. Usually, students’ projects are closely related to their mentors’ research area. (Interested students can review faculty research areas here; not all faculty take Honors students every year). 

The program requires sustained commitment and intellectual initiative. It is best suited for students who are highly motivated to deepen their research skills and engage in extended scholarly work.

Acceptance into the honors program is competitive. Applications are due shortly before the end of the junior fall semester, and decisions are made before the junior spring semester. For official policies and requirements, please consult the Undergraduate Bulletin.

The Honors Course Sequence

The Honors sequence spans three semesters:

Junior Spring

Students begin working with a faculty mentor, with whom they collaborate to develop a literature review and research proposal. They take one in-person class (PSY 336), described below.

PSY 336: Seminar in Honors
An examination of current research topics in Psychology intended for students in the Departmental Honors Program. Critical thinking, written and oral presentation skills will be emphasized as will initiation of research for an Honors Thesis. P-PSY 212 and prerequisite override required. 

Senior Fall

Students conduct analyses and refine their research design while building advanced methodological skills. They take one in-person class (PSY 356), described below.

PSY 356: Research in Honors
An in-depth examination of quantitative research approaches, methods, and analysis in psychology intended for students in the Departmental Honors Program. Multivariate statistical methods will be defined in detail, then applied to students’ Honors Thesis research projects. P-PSY 212 and prerequisite override required. 

Senior Spring

Students complete their project, submit a written thesis, and present their work at a departmental colloquium. They receive credit for PSY 386 (Directed Honors Thesis Research), but do not take an in-person class.Successful completion of all three components results in graduation with Honors in Psychology.

Eligibility & Planning

Students considering Honors are encouraged to complete the research methods sequence early and become involved in faculty research prior to applying.

Students typically apply in the fall of their junior year, though sophomores who meet the criteria could also apply. To be eligible, students must:

Honors students may not study abroad during the three semesters of the program.

Is Honors Right for You?

Honors may be a good fit if you:

Students who want research experience but are not ready to commit to the full Honors sequence may pursue Directed Study or advanced research courses.

Questions?

Students interested in the Honors Program are encouraged to speak with a faculty member or contact p.