Honors in Major

"Skepticism, that is, doubt concerning ultimate truth and ultimate reality, is above all constructive. It is not the enemy." says Honors student Roger Eichorn.

Learn more.

The honors-in-major program requires 16 credits of honors coursework, the completion of which enables you to graduate "With Honors." You do not have to be enrolled in the University Honors Program (a 32-credit program) to undertake the honors-in-major program (a 16-credit program). All University Honors Program participants must, however, complete the 16 credit honors-in-major program as part of their overall University Honors requirements.

Program Expectations

To receive Honors in Philosophy a student will be expected to pursue a philosophy curriculum that demands greater depth and rigor than required by the major; they will be expected to complete the curriculum at a consistently high level of achievement; they will be expected to engage in independent study and research (under the supervision of a faculty member) beyond the requirements of their course-work; and they will be expected to present and defend a culminating project that synthesizes aspects of their study. Students can demonstrate these expectations in either of two ways: a thesis option or a portfolio option.

Honors in Major Requirements

Students are required to maintain an overall 3.20 grade-point average and a 3.20 in major coursework.

Thesis Option: 798/798H (4 credits), 799/799H (4 credits) Senior Thesis, and (2) 700-level Philosophy Seminars (4 credits each) (these may be the same two seminars counted toward the major requirements) (totaling 16 credits). Seminars require an average grade of A-, and a minimum GPA of 3.20.

Portfolio Option: Students must successfully complete four philosophy seminars at 700 level (4 credits each) (the major requires only two 700 level seminars) with an average grade of at least A-; develop a portfolio of work that includes three research papers (revised as appropriate), from 700 level seminars; and an introduction essay that addresses how the portfolio represents a synthesis of philosophical ideas; and publicly present their portfolio in a meeting of students and faculty in philosophy.

Distinction on Senior Thesis

Distinction on Senior Thesis is granted by a unanimous determination of the student’s committee that the thesis exceeds A level work and is worthy of special recognition.

Department Liaison

Nick Smith, (603) 862-1329