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Office of the University Registrar

2009-10 Undergraduate Catalog

Graduating With Honors

The university offers three levels of honors at graduation: cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude. The information provided is brief, and students should check with an academic adviser for complete details.

Please be aware that

  • Transfer credits and S-U option credits are excluded.
  • Postbaccalaureate students are not eligible for honors recognition.
  • Honors recognition is printed on the university diploma.

Honors GPA Requirements, by College
Cum Laude
Magna Cum Laude
Summa Cum Laude
Accounting
3.2 GPA in all upper-division accounting course work and a 3.2 GPA in upper-division courses.
3.6 GPA in all upper-division accounting course work and a 3.6 GPA in upper-division courses. Completion of ACG 4970 Honors Thesis, with thesis and abstract.
3.8 GPA in all upper-division accounting course work and a 3.8 GPA in upper-division courses. Completion of ACG 4970 Honors Thesis, with thesis and abstract.
Agricultural and Life Sciences
3.5 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. 3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of an approved research project or creative work and submission of an honors thesis based on that work.
 3.85 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of an approved research project or creative work and submission of an honors thesis based on that work.
Building Construction
3.3 GPA in all upper-division courses.
3.6 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved research project and formal presentation.
 3.75 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved research project and formal presentation.
Business Administration
3.5 GPA in all UF, core and major courses.
 3.7 GPA in all UF, core and major courses. Completion of 90 hours prior to enrolling in honors thesis course and completion of an approved thesis.
 3.9 GPA in all UF, core and major courses. Completion of 90 hours prior to enrolling in honors thesis course and completion of an approved thesis.
Design, Construction and Planning - Architecture
3.3 GPA in all upper-division courses.
 3.6 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year design project.
 3.8 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year design project.
Design, Construction and Planning - Interior Design
3.3 GPA in all upper-division courses.
 3.6 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year design project.
 3.8 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year design project.
Design, Construction and Planning - Landscape Architecture
3.2 GPA in all upper-division courses.
 3.5 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fifth-year design project.
 3.75 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fifth-year design project.
Education
3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.
 3.75 GPA on first 18 hours of junior year in PROTEACH; 3.75 or more at the completion of BAE; submission of an approved scholarly project.
Not Available
Engineering
3.3 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.
 3.5 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of an approved research project or creative work.
 3.8 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of an approved research project or creative work.
Fine Arts
Art and Art History:
3.5 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.

Music and Music Education:
3.4 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.

Theatre and Dance:
3.4 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.

 Art and Art History
3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
 3.90 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
Art: Studio, graphic design and art education candidates are required to submit a portfolio of 10-15 35mm slides of their work in the major. Art history candidates must submit a research paper. Art education candidates must submit their teaching portfolio.
Music and Music Education
3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
 3.90 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
Music: Music majors must submit a creative or research project under the guidance of a music faculty member. Music education majors must complete the project prior to student teaching.
Theatre and Dance
3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
 3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
Theatre/Dance: Completion of a performance/production project. General theatre candidates must submit an independent creative or research project.
Forest Resources and Conservation
   Refer to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Health and Human Performance
3.4 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits, excluding internship, correspondence courses and extension courses.
 3.7 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits, excluding internship, correspondence courses and extension courses. Completion of a senior paper or creative project. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
 3.7 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits, excluding internship, correspondence courses and extension courses. Completion of a senior paper or a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
Journalism and Communications
3.5 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits (excluding internship) and professional courses.
 3.6 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits (excluding internship) and professional courses. Submit evidence of professional competency based on student's area of study.
 3.8 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits (excluding internship) and professional courses. Submit evidence of professional competency based on student's area of study.
Liberal Arts and Sciences
3.5 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.
 3.5 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits and completion of a thesis, research project or other creative work. Adviser makes the determination of the distinction awarded.
Anthropology
  In addition, student must register for three hours of ANT 4914 and complete an honors essay.
Asian Studies
  In addition, student must write an honors thesis through ASN 4935.
Astronomy
  In addition, student must complete six credits of AST 4905 and write a thesis.
Botany
  In addition, student must complete one semester
(3-4 credits) of BOT 4905 and write a thesis.
In addition, student must complete two semesters
(6-8 credits) of BOT 4095 and write a thesis.
Chemistry
  In addition, student must complete six hours of CHM 4910 and write a thesis.
Communication Sciences and Disorders
  In addition, student must complete SPA 4931 and write a thesis.
Computer Science
  Requires two additional approved CISE courses.
 3.8 GPA. Requires two additional approved CISE courses.
Criminology
  In addition, student must complete CCJ 4970 and defend a thesis.
East Asian Languages and Literature: Chinese and Japanese
  In addition, student must complete a senior honors thesis under ASN 4935, CHN 4935 or JPN 4935.
Economics
  In addition, student must complete ECO 4935 or ECO 4905. For summa sum laude, student must earn a 3.7 GPA for the junior and senior years and complete the before-mentioned courses.
English
  Student must earn a 3.5 GPA in all upper-division courses, an A or B in at least one semester of ENG 4936 and a B+ minimum in ENG 4970.
Student must earn a 3.5 GPA in all upper-division courses, no less than a B and at least one A in no fewer than two semesters of ENG 4936 and an A in ENG 4970 Honors Thesis.
French
   Refer to the general CLAS honors information above.
Geography
  In addition, student must have an A in GEO 4970 Honors Thesis, or GEO 4905 Individual Work.
Geology
  Student must complete two semesters of GLY 4905 with a grade of B or higher. Student must prepare a thesis.
 Student must have a 3.7 or higher GPA in all upper-division courses and meet all the requirements listed in the previous column.
German
  Student should consult the department honors coordinator.
History
  Student must write a thesis and for fall semester enroll in the Honors Seminar. In spring semester student must enroll in HIS 4970. For further information contact the undergraduate coordinator. The department determines the distinction awarded.
Interdisciplinary Studies
  Student must be recommended by two members of the student's supervisory committee, including the principal supervisor, who will affirm that the student conducted an individual project in IDS 4906 (or equivalent).
Jewish Studies
  Student must enroll in JST 4970 and complete an honors project.
Linguistics
  In addition, student must complete at least three credits of LIN 4905 Individual Study, followed by LIN 4970 Senior Thesis.
Mathematics
  Student must write a thesis that meets the honors standards listed by the math department.
 Student must satisfy the B.S. degree requirements and write a thesis that meets the honors standards listed by the math department.
Microbiology and Cell Science
  3.75 GPA. Student must have grade of B or better in at least four credits of MCB 4905 or MCB 4909 and in one of the following: PCB 5235, MCB 5303L, MCB 5505, MCB 5458 or PCB 5136L. A thesis is required.
 3.85 GPA. Student must have grade of B or better in at least four credits of MCB 4905 or MCB 4909 and in one of the following: PCB 5235, MCB 5303L, MCB 5505, MCB 5458 or PCB 5136L. A thesis is required.
Philosophy
  Student must take an additional three hours at the 4000 level or above beyond the required minimum and complete a senior honors thesis while enrolled in PHI 4912. A formal proposal must be submitted the semester prior to that during which the student writes the thesis. Upon completion, the thesis is reviewed by the department's Undergraduate Committee, which then subjects the student to an oral examination. The undergraduate coordinator, in consultation with that committee, then determines the distinction awarded.
Physics
  A thesis is required for high or highest honors.
Political Science
  Student must complete POS 4734 and POS 4934 in conjunction with POS 4734 or another 3000- or 4000-level political science course, and POS 4970 Honors Thesis.
Portuguese
   Refer to the general CLAS honors information above.
Psychology
  In addition, student must complete and defend a thesis while taking PSY 4970 Senior Thesis.
Religion
  Student must complete REL 4932 Honors Thesis.
Russian
  Student must obtain the recommendation of two GSS faculty members and complete an honors project.
Sociology
  In addition, student must complete a senior honors thesis while taking SYA 4931.
Spanish
  For magna or summa cum laude, a thesis is required.
Statistics
   Refer to the general CLAS honors information above.
Women's Studies
  In addition, student must complete an honors thesis.
Zoology
  For magna or summa cum laude, student must complete at least six credits of ZOO 4905, complete a thesis research project and submit an honors thesis.
School of Natural Resources and Environment
   Refer to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Nursing
3.2 GPA in all upper division courses. Students in all honors distinctions must participate in an honors seminar, make an oral presentation on an honors project and submit an approved thesis.
3.6 GPA in all upper-division courses.
 3.8 GPA in all upper-division courses.
Pharmacy
3.50 or higher GPA in required pharmacy courses and completion of all pharmacy coursework in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.
 3.60 - 3.79 GPA in required pharmacy courses and completion of all pharmacy coursework in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.
In addition, student must complete a project, submit a report and make a presentation via adherence to College of Pharmacy guidelines. Student must also be approved by the supervisor, the supervisor’s department chair and the Graduate Studies Council.
 3.80 or higher GPA in required pharmacy courses and completion of all pharmacy coursework in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.
In addition, student must complete a project, submit a report and make a presentation via adherence to College of Pharmacy guidelines. Student must also be approved by the supervisor, the supervisor’s department chair and the Graduate Studies Council.
Public Health and Health Professions
3.5 GPA in all 3000+ level courses after admission to junior-level limited-access program.
3.75 GPA in all 3000+ level courses after admission to junior-level limited-access program. Successful completion of HSC 4969 and HSC 4970, including research poster presentation and written summary, or SPA 4931, including thesis, depending on BHS major.
 3.85 GPA in all 3000+ level courses after admission to junior-level limited-access program. Successful completion of HSC 4969 and HSC 4970, including research poster presentation and written summary, or SPA 4931, including thesis, depending on BHS major.