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CMU's Academic Honors Program offers highly motivated undergraduates enriched studies in their major. Honors requirements vary by academic program, but each includes opportunities for students to actively engage in more advanced study through coursework and a capstone project that can include research or creative work presented in a scholarly venue. Students who complete a program's academic honors requirements are recognized at CMU's Commencement Ceremony.

CMU faculty at commencement

Application Process and Qualifications

Students applying to the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Honors Program must:

  • have completed at least 75 semester credit hours before beginning the program
  • have at least a 3.5 grade point average (GPA)
  • be a declared major in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • be a member of their discipline's honors society
  • identify a faculty mentor for their honors project

We accept applications each spring semester. Interested students should contact SBS Department Head for the application deadline. Applicants must submit:

  • the application form; and
  • a summary of no more than three pages that:
    1. details the applicant's scholarly background, community and/or University service, and academic awards; and
    2. describes briefly why s/he is applying for an academic honors program of study.

Program Requirements

The project must be completed over the course of two semesters involving six credit hours. Exceptions to this rule will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The scope and focus of honors projects will be program specific. Students should meet with their faculty mentors early in the process to receive approval of their projects. The activity can range from an honor's thesis to a creative work to an undergraduate research project. Students are required to participate in SBS honors colloquia when offered. Additionally, students must present the results of their activity in a scholarly venue approved by their Academic Honors Program advisor (e.g., CMU's Student Showcase, a regional meeting for the relevant discipline).

Program Contact

Name: Justin Gollob, Department Head, Social & Behavioral Sciences
Phone: 970.248.1279
Email: [email protected]