Graduating with Honors

The university offers three levels of honors: cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude.

Please be aware that:

• GPA value is determined to the hundredths place (e.g., 3.495 = 3.49).
• 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.
• Students should check with an academic adviser for complete details.

Honors by College and Major

• Accounting, Fisher School of
• Arts, College of the
• Agricultural and Life Sciences, College of
• Business, Heavener School of
• Construction Management, M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of
• Design, Construction and Planning, College of
• Education, College of
• Engineering, College of
• Health and Human Performance, College of
• Journalism and Communications, College of
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of
• Natural Resources and Environment, School of
• Nursing, College of
• Pharmacy, College of
• Public Health and Health Professions, College of
  

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Fisher School of Accounting

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
3.2 GPA in all upper-division accounting coursework and a 3.2 GPA in upper-division courses.	3.6 GPA in all upper-division accounting coursework 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 coursework and a 3.8 GPA in upper-division courses. Completion of ACG 4970 Honors Thesis, with thesis and abstract.

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College of the Arts

Art and Art History

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
3.5 GPA on all courses taken at UF under the FA student classification beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.	3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF under the FA student classification 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 under the FA student classification 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 expected to work with their thesis advisor to determine appropriate content for their honors thesis submission. Art history candidates must submit a research paper. Art education candidates must submit their teaching portfolio.

Music and Music Education

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
3.4 GPA on all courses taken at UF under the FA student classification beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.	3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF under the FA student classification 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 under the FA student classification 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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
3.4 GPA on all courses taken at UF under the FA student classification beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.	3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF under the FA student classification 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 under the FA student classification 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.

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College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Required for all CALS Majors Except where Noted Otherwise

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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.

Microbiology and Cell Science

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	3.75 GPA. Student must have grade of S in at least four credits of MCB 4911, MCB 4915 or other department undergraduate research course previously approved and grade of B or higher in one of the following: MCB 4503, MCB 5505, PCB 4233, PCB 5235, MCB 5305L or PCB 5136L. A thesis is required.	3.85 GPA. Student must have grade of S in at least four credits of MCB 4911, MCB 4915 or other department undergraduate research course previously approved and grade of B or higher in one of the following: MCB 4503, MCB 5505, PCB 4233, PCB 5235, MCB 5305L or PCB 5136L. A thesis is required.

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Heavener School of Business

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
3.5 GPA in all UF, core and major courses.	3.7 GPA in all UF, core and major courses. Completion of 90 credits 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 credits prior to enrolling in honors thesis course and completion of an approved thesis.

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M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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.

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College of Design, Construction and Planning

Architecture

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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.

Interior Design

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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.

Landscape Architecture

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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.

Sustainability and the Built Environment

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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.

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College of Education

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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 credits of junior year in PROTEACH; 3.75 or more at the completion of BAE; submission of an approved scholarly project.	Not available.

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College of Engineering

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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.

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College of Health and Human Performance

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
3.4 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits, excluding internship, flexible learning courses and extension courses.	3.7 GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits, excluding internship, flexible learning 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, flexible learning courses and extension courses. Completion of a senior paper or a creative project or thesis. Department recommends the distinction awarded.

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College of Journalism and Communications

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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.

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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

To graduate with honors, students must meet the college requirements for cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude. Students will be granted magna or summa cum laude if they meet the college requirements AND the requirements specified by their major in the tables below.

College Requirements

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
3.50 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.	Eligible students must have a 3.50 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits and completion of, and faculty evaluation of, a thesis, research project or other creative work. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude may be granted based on faculty evaluation of the thesis, and the department will make the determination whether and what level of distinction will be awarded.

Major Requirements

• Anthropology
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Classical Studies
• Computer Science
• Criminology and Law
• East Asian Languages and Literature: Chinese and Japanese
• Economics
• English
• French and Francophone Studies
• Geography
• Geology
• German
• History
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Microbiology and Cell Science
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Portuguese
• Religion
• Russian
• Sociology
• Sustainability Studies
• Women's Studies
• Zoology

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Anthropology

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must register for three credits of ANT 4914 in their final semester and successfully complete and defend an honors thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.

Astronomy

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	In addition, student must complete six credits of AST 4911 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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Distinction of magna cum laude requires a 3.50 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Student must also complete the equivalent of at least six credits of approved undergraduate research (contact undergraduate coordinator), complete a thesis research project and submit a mentor-approved honors thesis. The undergraduate coordinator will review the thesis and submit a recommendation for approval or disapproval to the Biology Major Executive Committee.	Distinction of summa cum laude requires a 3.75 or higher GPA on all courses taken at UF beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits. Student must also complete the equivalent of at least six credits of approved undergraduate research (contact undergraduate Coordinator), complete a thesis research project and submit a mentor-approved honors thesis. The undergraduate coordinator will review the thesis and submit a recommendation for approval or disapproval to the Biology Major Executive Committee.

Botany

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must complete one semester (3-4 credits) of BOT 4911, BIO 4910, BIO 4912 or ZOO 4911 and write a thesis.	Student must complete two semesters (6-8 credits) of BOT 4911, BIO 4910, BIO 4912 or ZOO 4911 and write a thesis.

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Chemistry

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must complete six credits of CHM 4910 and write a thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on both GPA and faculty evaluation of the thesis.

Classical Studies

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must also write an honors thesis under supervision of a faculty mentor. Contact the Classics undergraduate adviser for more information.

Computer Science

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Requires two additional approved CISE courses.	3.80 GPA. Requires two additional approved CISE courses.

Criminology and Law

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must defend a thesis and may enroll in CCJ 4970 or an honors-focused course for credit to write a thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.

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East Asian Languages and Literature: Chinese and Japanese

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must enroll in three credits of CHI 4905 or JPN 4905, Independent Study, and ​complete a senior honors thesis under CHI 4935 or JPN 4935. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.

Economics

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must earn a 3.30 GPA for all UF economics classes, complete ECO 4935 or ECO 4905 and submit an acceptable thesis.	Student must earn a 3.70 GPA on all courses taken at UF the semester after accumulating 60 credits and a 3.50 GPA for all UF economics classes. Must also complete ECO 4935 or ECO 4905 and submit an acceptable thesis.

English

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must earn an A or B grade in at least one semester of ENG 4936 Honors Seminar and a minimum grade of B+ in ENG 4970 Honors Thesis.	Student must earn a minimum grade of B and at least one A in no fewer than two semesters of ENG 4936 Honors Seminar and an A in ENG 4970 Honors Thesis.

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French and Francophone Studies

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	It is recommended that students take two semesters of FRE 4906 Honors Thesis.

Geography

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	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 evaluation of the thesis by a faculty adviser and a second reader.

Geology

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Students must complete two semesters of GLY 4911 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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Students should consult the honors coordinator for German in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

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History

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	In the fall semester, student must pass the History Honors Seminar: Thesis Workshop while completing thesis research. Then, in the spring semester, student must enroll in HIS 4970: Senior Thesis and write an acceptable thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis. Contact the undergraduate coordinator or history honors coordinator for information.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student with a GPA of 3.5 or higher 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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	3.75 GPA. Student must have grade of S in at least four credits of MCB 4911, MCB 4915 or other department undergraduate research course previously approved and grade of B or higher in one of the following: MCB 4503, MCB 5505, PCB 4233, PCB 5235, MCB 5305L or PCB 5136L. A thesis is required.	3.85 GPA. Student must have grade of S in at least four credits of MCB 4911, MCB 4915 or other department undergraduate research course previously approved and grade of B or higher in one of the following: MCB 4503, MCB 5505, PCB 4233, PCB 5235, MCB 5305L or PCB 5136L. A thesis is required.

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Philosophy

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must complete an 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 also conducts an oral examination. The undergraduate coordinator, in consultation with that committee, will determine the distinction awarded.

Physics

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	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 and an oral presentation by the student.

Political Science

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must complete POS 4734, POS 4934 and POS 4970 in order to complete an honors thesis. The program requires a minimum of two semesters of coursework and research. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.

Portuguese

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
Refer to the general CLAS honors information.

Psychology

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must complete and defend a thesis while taking at least one credit of PSY 4970 Senior Thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.

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Religion

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must complete REL 4932 Honors Thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.

Russian

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	3.50 GPA in Russian studies courses with the following prefixes: RUS, RUT or RUW. Student must complete an honors project and receive approval of the completed project by two faculty members, at least one of whom must be affiliated with Russian studies.

Sociology

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must complete and defend a thesis. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty evaluation of the thesis.

Statistics

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
Refer to the general CLAS honors information.

Sustainability Studies

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must complete a thesis, which may be written for independent study credit in the primary supervisor's department (but not for cluster credit). The student, in consultation with the director, must secure primary and secondary faculty supervisors associated with the major (one from CLAS). Distinction of magna cum laude will be given upon recommendation of both supervisors after evaluation of the thesis. Distinction of summa cum laude will be given upon recommendation of both supervisors and an oversight board reader, designated by the director, after evaluation of the thesis.

Women's Studies

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must complete at least six credits of ZOO 4911, BSC 4910, BSC 4912, BOT 4911, 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.

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School of Natural Resources and Environment

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
Refer to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

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College of Nursing

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
3.70-3.79 GPA in all upper-division nursing courses.	3.80-3.89 GPA in all upper-division nursing courses.	3.90-4.00 GPA in all upper-division nursing courses.
Students in all honors distinctions must satisfactorily complete the honors program.

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College of Pharmacy

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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.

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College of Public Health and Health Professions

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
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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