Graduating with Honors
At UF there are three levels of honors distinction; cum laude, magna cum laude (high), and summa cum laude (highest).
A minimum upper-level GPA of 3.5 is all that is required to receive the cum laude distinction. For the high and highest distinctions you must accomplish undergraduate research and write a thesis.
You are required to have a minimum upper-level GPA of 3.75, register for undergraduate research and submit a thesis for the high distinction, or a minimum upper-level GPA of 3.85, register for undergraduate research and submit a thesis for the highest distinction. In addition, students are acknowledged in the commencement program.
There are two distinctions with additional course requirements: CALS Honors Scholars Certificate Program, and University Scholars Program.
CALS Honors: Students can apply for the CALS Honors Scholars Certificate Program after completing 60 hours and meet the 3.75 Upper division GPA on the CALS website. In completion of the program, students must complete course requirements - ALS 3932 Honors Orientation (1 credit), 2 courses (3000/4000) with an Honors Contract or 2 graduate courses (consider a combined degree in FYCS!), FYC 4915 Honors Research (3 credits throughout senior year) - and write a thesis. In addition, students who participate in the CALS Honors Scholars Certificate Program are acknowledged at the CALS Leadership Banquet, receive a Scholars Medallion to wear at commencement, and a Certificate upon graduation.
University Scholars: Applicants must have maintained an overall GPA of 3.0 or better, and have at least one more year of undergraduate studies remaining. Applications are due the Spring semester the academic year prior to participation. Students applying to the University Scholars Program will apply directly to the department or college of their mentor. Check the college requirements of your mentor’s college to determine the requirements and deadlines you must meet. Students must submit their application and supplemental materials by the college deadline. Accepted students will be notified in march and must attend an orientation session at Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium. In completion of the University Scholars Program, students must complete course requirements, either FYC 4911 Supervised Undergraduate Research or FYC 4915 Honors Research (must be registered for 0-3 credits each Fall and Spring for participating academic year). The USP supports any undergraduate research. A thesis is not required to participate but the USP can support thesis work for students in the program. Selected student researchers who participate in the program will receive a stipend of $1,750 which is disbursed in two payments during the academic year. Faculty mentors receive $500 for travel or research-related expenses. CALS awards approximately 20 awards each academic year for selected students in the University Scholars Program. University Scholars are required to submit their work for publication and apply to present at the UF Undergraduate Research Symposium
Writing a thesis for honors recognition requires that you complete the following steps.
- Maintain a minimum 3.75 upper-level GPA
- Identify a thesis or research supervisor who will mentor you in undergraduate research,
- Submit a thesis proposal as an informal email to the Honors Committee Chair, Dr. Kimberly Wiley, (kimberlywiley@ufl.edu) with the phrase “Honors Thesis Proposal” in the subject line. Please submit your proposal and the CALS Honors Thesis Proposal Cover Page.
- Complete the equivalent of two semesters of undergraduate research.
- Work with your research supervisor to develop a thesis.
- Submit the final draft of your thesis along with the Thesis Submission Form to the the Honors Committee Chair, Dr. Kimberly Wiley, (kimberlywiley@ufl.edu). The FYCS Honors Chair will submit the thesis and cover page to the college on your behalf. The thesis must be a single author document written by the student.
FYCS MAJOR AND UNIVERSITY DEADLINES FOR HONORS THESES
Deadlines for submission of thesis proposals and final thesis copies
|
Graduation Semester |
Proposal Due to Dr. Wiley |
Proposal Due to College |
Thesis Due to Dr. Wiley |
Thesis Due to College |
Thesis Due in UF Library1 |
|
Spring 2025 |
N/A |
N/A |
28-Feb |
28-Mar |
N/A |
|
Summer C 2025 |
31-Jan |
7-Feb |
6-Jun |
3-Jul |
N/A |
|
Fall 2025 |
23-May |
30-May |
10-Oct |
7-Nov |
N/A |
1After distinctions are sent, students are invited to submit their work to the UF Library. University Scholars students will need to submit electronic copies of their thesis to IRManager@uflib.ufl.edu.
COMPARISON OF HONORS REQUIREMENTS FOR FYCS
|
Major |
Distinction |
Min. Upper Division GPA |
Thesis |
Research Credits |
Notes |
|
FYCS |
Laude |
3.5 |
Not required |
Not required |
|
|
|
Magna |
3.75 |
Required |
Not required |
|
|
|
Summa |
3.85 |
Required |
Not required |
|
|
FYCS (CALS Honors Scholars Certificate Program) |
Magna |
3.75 |
Required |
3 |
ALS 3923 Honors Orientation, 2 courses (3000/4000 level) with an Honors Contract or 2 graduate courses, and FYC 4915: Honors Research (3 credits throughout senior year) |
|
|
Summa |
3.85 |
Required |
3 |
ALS 3923 Honors Orientation, 2 courses (3000/4000 level) with an Honors Contract or 2 graduate courses, and FYC 4915: Honors Research (3 credits throughout senior year) |
|
University Scholars Program |
Not offered? |
3.0 Overall GPA |
Required |
0-3 |
Either FYC 4911: Supervised Undergraduate Research or FYC 4915: Honors Research(must be registered for 0-3 credits each Fall and Spring for participating academic year) |
Guidelines for Thesis Structure
Given the variety of journal styles within the broad field of social sciences the student is encouraged to work with their thesis advisor regarding the best format and style the thesis should take. Most likely the advisor will recommend that you follow the Instructions to Authors from a social sciences journal.
University Guidance for Graduating with Honors