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  • SEQUENCE ADVISING
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We encourage all eligible students to participate in the University Honors Program!

The Department of Biological Sciences is pleased to offer students the opportunity to graduate with departmental honors.Honors students will complete various in-course honors projects as well as perform research projects in a faculty member's lab.As an honors student you may qualify for grants and scholarships related to your research project. You will have the chance to learn beyond the regular course content and have one-on-one access to your instructors. In order to qualify, you must satisfy the checklist below.For more information contact Megan Larson.

Advantages of graduating with Honors in Biological Sciences

  • Students will complete a research project and write a research thesis

  • Unique opportunities to interact with faculty

  • Demonstrates a significant accomplishment to future employers or professional schools

  • Diploma and transcripts read "with Honors in Biological Sciences"

FAQ:

Q: I'd like to graduate with Departmental Honors.Can you tell me what is required?

A: To graduate with Departmental Honors you must complete all of the regular requirements for the major; have 1 semester of biochemistry; math through 2 semesters of calculus; 12 hours of biology courses with in-course honors and a grade of A or B in each; 3 hours of BSC 299; 1 hour of BSC 303 (Senior Thesis); and at the time of graduation have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 and at least 3.5 in the major. You must also be enrolled in the University Honors Program.

Q: What does "in-course honors" mean?

A: In course honors are designed by each professor to meet more rigorous course requirements by completing an Honors quality project.This may be a written paper, participating in a group discussion, reading material outside of class, or other types of projects.The first day or two of classes each semester you may ask the professor if they offer in course honors.The professor will describe to you what your project will be and give you a timeline.It's then up to you which classes you will do honors work in (an honors student must complete 3 hours of honors course week each semester).

Q: I'm thinking of applying to ISU.How can I get into the Honors Program?

A: Incoming freshmen are invited to apply for admission to the Honors Program based on ACT/SAT scores and high school academic performance. You must also submit an application due in April of each year.See the Honors Program Website for application information.

Q: I'm already at ISU.How can I join the Honors Program?

A: Current Illinois State students who meet the Honors Program requirements are invited to apply to the Program at any point during their time at the University. Admission for current students is based on GPA and a personal statement. Acceptance into the program is not automatic, rather it is based on information submitted in applications. Generally, current students are expected to have an Illinois State cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Application deadlines are July 1 for fall admission and December 1 for spring admission.See the Honors Program Website for more information.

For more information, visit the University Honors Program website!