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Honors in the Major

Qualified Public Health Studies majors may receive Honors in the Major by completing an honors project, which will involve an independent study culminating in a paper, artistic creation, or performance. Students who meet the criteria given below will receive the designation “Honors in (field of study)” on their diplomas.

The Honors Project may be either a significant scholarly project (such as an extensive literature review, theoretical analysis, or empirical study) or a significant creative or organizational project (such as the establishment of a new program or service for an organization or agency or completion of a major specialized task on campus or in the community). While the project may be based on previous work (e.g., a seminar paper or independent study), it must represent a significant and original project over and above any past work.

Interested in Honors in the Major?

Requirements for Registration:

A minimum PHST GPA of 3.4 at the time of application. Must be completed in the summer before senior year or the senior year. Students must earn an A- or higher on the project and have a minimum PHST GPA of 3.4 at graduation for “Honors in Public Health Studies” to appear on the diploma. 

The Honors Project committee will evaluate the final product and an oral examination

Course Designation:

Either a single semester project (PHST 496, 1 unit), or a two-semester project (PHST 495 and 497, 0.5 unit each).

Faculty Advisor, Honors Committee, and Project Requirements:

The student must discuss the project idea with a Public Health Studies faculty member and reach an agreement about the scope of the proposed research project, length of the paper, and a schedule of meetings and deadlines throughout the term. On average, students completing PHST 496 will spend eight to ten hours a week on the project (PHST 495 and 497 about four to five hours a week per semester). The Honors Project committee will consist of the faculty advisor and two additional faculty members, one being from outside the major. 

Application:

Students complete the application for Honors in the Major, which includes a two-to-five-page proposal and a preliminary list of sources to be consulted. Honors students applying for Honors in the Major credit for their distinction project can attach their distinction project proposal.