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  • Graduating With Honors

    The university offers three levels of honors at graduation: cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude. The information provided is brief, and students should check with an academic adviser for complete details.

    Please be aware that:

    • Transfer credits and S-U option credits are excluded.
    • Postbaccalaureate students are not eligible for honors recognition.
    • Honors recognition is printed on the university diploma.
    Honors GPA Requirements, by College
    Cum Laude
    Magna Cum Laude
    Summa Cum Laude
    Accounting
    3.2 GPA in all upper-division accounting course work and a 3.2 GPA in upper-division courses. 3.6 GPA in all upper-division accounting course work and a 3.6 GPA in upper-division courses. Completion of ACG 4970 Honors Thesis, with thesis and abstract. 3.8 GPA in all upper-division accounting course work and a 3.8 GPA in upper-division courses. Completion of ACG 4970 Honors Thesis, with thesis and abstract.
    Agricultural and Life Sciences
    3.5 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. 3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of an approved research project or creative work and submission of an honors thesis based on that work. 3.85 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of an approved research project or creative work and submission of an honors thesis based on that work.
    Building Construction
    3.3 GPA in all upper-division courses. 3.6 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved research project and formal presentation. 3.75 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved research project and formal presentation.
    Business Administration
    3.5 GPA in all UF, core and major courses. 3.7 GPA in all UF, core and major courses. Completion of 90 hours prior to enrolling in honors thesis course and completion of an approved thesis. 3.9 GPA in all UF, core and major courses. Completion of 90 hours prior to enrolling in honors thesis course and completion of an approved thesis.
    Design, Construction and Planning - Architecture
    3.3 GPA in all upper-division courses. 3.6 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year design project. 3.8 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year design project.
    Design, Construction and Planning - Interior Design
    3.3 GPA in all upper-division courses. 3.6 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year design project. 3.8 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year design project.
    Design, Construction and Planning - Landscape Architecture
    3.2 GPA in all upper-division courses. 3.5 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fifth-year design project. 3.75 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fifth-year design project.
    Design, Construction and Planning - Sustainability and the Built Environment
    3.5 GPA in all upper-division courses. 3.65 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year project. 3.8 GPA in all upper-division courses. Completion of an approved fourth-year project.
    Education
    3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. 3.75 GPA on first 18 hours of junior year in PROTEACH; 3.75 or more at the completion of BAE; submission of an approved scholarly project. Not Available
    Engineering
    3.3 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. 3.5 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of an approved research project or creative work. 3.8 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of an approved research project or creative work.
    Fine Arts
    Art and Art History: 3.5 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Music and Music Education: 3.4 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Theatre and Dance: 3.4 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Art and Art History
    3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded. 3.90 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
    Art: Studio, graphic design and art education candidates are required to submit a portfolio of 10-15 35mm slides of their work in the major. Art history candidates must submit a research paper. Art education candidates must submit their teaching portfolio.
    Music and Music Education
    3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded. 3.90 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
    Music: Music majors must submit a creative or research project under the guidance of a music faculty member. Music education majors must complete the project prior to student teaching.
    Theatre and Dance
    3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded. 3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Completion of a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
    Theatre/Dance: Completion of a performance/production project. General theatre candidates must submit an independent creative or research project.
    Health and Human Performance
    3.4 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits, excluding internship, correspondence courses and extension courses. 3.7 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits, excluding internship, correspondence courses and extension courses. Completion of a senior paper or creative project. Department recommends the distinction awarded. 3.7 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits, excluding internship, correspondence courses and extension courses. Completion of a senior paper or a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.
    Journalism and Communications
    3.5 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits (excluding internship) and professional courses. 3.6 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits (excluding internship) and professional courses. Submit evidence of professional competency based on student's area of study. 3.8 GPA on all courses taken at UF classified in the college beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits (excluding internship) and professional courses. Submit evidence of professional competency based on student's area of study.
    Liberal Arts and Sciences
    Required for All CLAS Majors: 3.5 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Required for All CLAS Majors: 3.5 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits and completion of a thesis, research project or other creative work. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis, and an adviser will make the determination of the distinction awarded.
    Anthropology
      Student must register for three hours of ANT 4914 and complete an honors essay.
    Astronomy
      In addition, student must complete six credits of AST 4905 and write a thesis. A committee of at least three faculty members evaluates the thesis and makes a recommendation to the astronomy adviser regarding the level of honors awarded.
    Biology
      Student must complete at least six credits of ZOO 4905, complete a thesis research project and submit an honors thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Botany
      Student must complete one semester (3-4 credits) of BOT 4905 and write a thesis. Student must complete two semesters (6-8 credits) of BOT 4095 and write a thesis.
    Chemistry
      Student must complete six hours of CHM 4910 and write a thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Classical Studies
    Refer to the general CLAS honors information.
    Computer Science
      Requires two additional approved CISE courses. 3.8 GPA. Requires two additional approved CISE courses.
    Criminology and Law
      Student must complete CCJ 4970 and defend a thesis or pass two graduate seminars and defend a research paper. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    East Asian Languages and Literature: Chinese and Japanese
      Student must complete a senior honors thesis under CHN 4935 or JPN 4935. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Economics
      Student must earn a 3.3 GPA for all UF economics classes, complete ECO 4935 or ECO 4905 and submit an acceptable thesis. Student must earn a 3.7 GPA on all courses taken at UF the semester after accumulating 60 credits and a 3.5 GPA for all UF economics classes. Must also complete ECO 4935 or ECO 4905 and submit an acceptable thesis.
    English
      Student must earn a 3.5 GPA in all upper-division courses, an A or B in at least one semester of ENG 4936 and a B+ minimum in ENG 4970. Student must earn a 3.5 GPA in all upper-division courses, no less than a B and at least one A in no fewer than two semesters of ENG 4936 and an A in ENG 4970 Honors Thesis.
    French and Francophone Studies
    Refer to the general CLAS honors information.
    Geography
      Student must earn an A in GEO 4970 Honors Thesis or GEO 4905 Individual Work and submit an honors thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Geology
      Students must complete two semesters of GLY 4905 with grades of B or higher and submit an honors thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    German
      Student should consult the department honors coordinator.
    History
      Student must write a thesis and for fall semester enroll in the Honors Seminar. In spring semester student must enroll in HIS 4970. For further information contact the undergraduate coordinator. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Interdisciplinary Studies
      Student must be recommended by two members of the student's supervisory committee, including the principal supervisor, who will affirm that the student conducted an individual project in IDS 4906 (or equivalent). Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the project.
    Jewish Studies
      Student must enroll in JST 4970 and complete an honors project. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the project.
    Linguistics
      GPA in the major of at least 3.5 and student must complete at least three credits of LIN 4905 Individual Study, followed by LIN 4970 Senior Thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Mathematics
      Student must write a thesis that fulfills the department's  honors standards. Student must satisfy the B.S. degree requirements and write a thesis that fulfills the department's honors standards.
    Microbiology and Cell Science
      3.75 GPA. Student must have grade of B or better in at least four credits of MCB 4905 or MCB 4909 and in one of the following: PCB 5235, MCB 5303L, MCB 5505 or PCB 5136L. A thesis is required. 3.85 GPA. Student must have grade of B or better in at least four credits of MCB 4905 or MCB 4909 and in one of the following: PCB 5235, MCB 5303L, MCB 5505 or PCB 5136L. A thesis is required.
    Philosophy
      Student must take an additional three hours at the 4000 level or above beyond the required minimum and complete a senior honors thesis while enrolled in PHI 4912. A formal proposal must be submitted the semester prior to that during which the student writes the thesis. Upon completion, the thesis is reviewed by the department's Undergraduate Committee, which then subjects the student to an oral examination. The undergraduate coordinator, in consultation with that committee, will determine the distinction awarded.
    Physics
      Student must complete and defend a thesis to graduate magna or summa cum laude. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Political Science
      Student must complete POS 4734, POS 4934 and POS 4970 in order to complete an honors thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Portuguese
    Refer to the general CLAS honors information.
    Psychology
      Student must complete and defend a thesis while taking PSY 4970 Senior Thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Religion
      Student must complete REL 4932 Honors Thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Russian
      Student must obtain the recommendation of two Russian faculty members and complete an honors project. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of that project.
    Sociology
      Student must complete a senior honors thesis while taking SYA 4931. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Spanish
      Student must complete and defend a thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Statistics
    Refer to the general CLAS honors information.
    Women's Studies
      Student must enroll in WST 4970 and complete an honors thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    Zoology
      Student must complete at least six credits of ZOO 4905, complete a thesis research project and submit an honors thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.
    School of Natural Resources and Environment
    Refer to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
    Nursing
    3.2 GPA in all upper-division courses. Students in all honors distinctions must participate in an honors seminar, make an oral presentation on an honors project and submit an approved thesis. 3.6 GPA in all upper-division courses. 3.8 GPA in all upper-division courses.
    Pharmacy
    3.50 or higher GPA in required pharmacy courses and completion of all pharmacy coursework in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. 3.60 - 3.79 GPA in required pharmacy courses and completion of all pharmacy coursework in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.In addition, student must complete a project, submit a report and make a presentation via adherence to College of Pharmacy guidelines. Student must also be approved by the supervisor, the supervisor’s department chair and the Graduate Studies Council. 3.80 or higher GPA in required pharmacy courses and completion of all pharmacy coursework in the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.In addition, student must complete a project, submit a report and make a presentation via adherence to College of Pharmacy guidelines. Student must also be approved by the supervisor, the supervisor’s department chair and the Graduate Studies Council.
    Public Health and Health Professions
    3.5 GPA in all 3000+ level courses after admission to junior-level limited-access program. 3.75 GPA in all 3000+ level courses after admission to junior-level limited-access program.
    Successful completion of HSC 4969 and 4970 including research poster presentation and thesis, or SPA 4931 including thesis and depending on BHS major, and no student conduct or honor code violations. Dean's review of thesis designates honors level.    		 3.85 GPA in all 3000+ level courses after admission to junior-level limited-access program.
    Successful completion of HSC 4969 and 4970 including research poster presentation and thesis, or SPA 4931 including thesis and depending on BHS major, and no student conduct or honor code violations. Dean's review of thesis designates honors level.
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