The Honors Program

The Physics Department honors program offers talented students an opportunity to develop their academic potential by increased involvement and participation in Physics research, Physics projects, independent study in Physics, advanced Physics courses, Physics seminars, and Physics colloquia. Admissions Students are nominated by the Honors program adviser or by the Director of Undergraduate studies. Nominations are based on academic performance and by ability to profit from the Honors program experience. A minimum GPA of 3.5 in Physics courses and an overall GPA of 3.0 is required for initial admission, which is usually in the Junior year. Requirements To satisfy the requirements for graduation in the Honors program in Physics, the student will: Have an overall GPA at graduation of 3.4 or better. Complete the Honors Contract[PDF] and submit to the Honors Program Director Complete three (3) hours of PY 499 - Independent Research, and submit a written report based on this research to the Physics Honors Program Committee. Complete nine (9) hours of 500 level Physics courses. The most common choices are from 506 and 516 in the fall, and from 507, 543, and 552 in the spring. One 400 level Physics course (3 hours) taken with the Student-Faculty Contract for Honors Credit may be substituted for a 500 level course Demonstrate satisfactory participation in Society of Physics Students activities, and Physics Department seminars and colloquia. The extent of participation in these activities will be based on prior agreement between the student and the Honors adviser, and satisfactory participation will be determined by the Honors adviser.

Recognition Successful completion of the Honors program in Physics is recognized by award of a certificate signed by the Dean of the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and the Director of the PAMS Honors Program, by having an "Honors" seal on the student's diploma, and by the addition of the phrase "Completed Honors Program in Physics" to the student's permanent transcript.