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, Herbert Wertheim 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 upper-division GPA, which includes all courses taken after the student reaches 60 semester credit hours.	3.6 GPA in all upper-division accounting coursework and a 3.6 upper-division GPA, which includes all courses taken after the student reaches 60 semester credit hours. Completion of ACG 4970 Honors Thesis, with thesis and abstract.	3.8 GPA in all upper-division accounting coursework and a 3.8 upper-division GPA, which includes all courses taken after the student reaches 60 semester credit hours. 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.

Digital Arts and Sciences

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. 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. Department recommends the distinction awarded.

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

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.

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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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Herbert Wertheim 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

All majors except Applied Physiology and Kinesiology

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.

Applied Physiology and Kinesiology

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.	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
• Economics
• English
• Foreign Languages and Literatures
• Geography
• Geology
• History
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Microbiology and Cell Science
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Portuguese
• Religion
• 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. Students must have an approved faculty mentor and signed thesis contract. Distinction of magna or summa cum laude is based on faculty committee 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, complete a research project, and write a thesis.	Student must complete two semesters (6-8 credits) of BOT 4911, complete a research project, 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

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must defend a thesis and may enroll in CCJ 4970 or honors-focused courses 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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Economics

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Student must earn a 3.30 GPA for all UF economics courses, 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 courses. 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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Foreign Languages and Literatures

Cum Laude	Magna Cum Laude	Summa Cum Laude
	Students must complete a thesis and receive approval of the completed project by two full-time faculty members (excluding adjunct faculty), one of whom must be affiliated with Languages, Literatures and Cultures and serve as the student’s primary advisor. In consultation with the primary advisor, the student should identify the second faculty member no later than the mid-point of the semester. It is strongly recommended that the student complete up to 6 credits of 4911 in their area of specialization. (In the case of the Chinese and Japanese tracks, it is strongly recommended that the student complete up to 3 credits of CHI/CHT or CHW 4911 or JPN/JPT or JPW 4911, prior to completing 3 credits of CHI 4935 or JPN 4935 (Senior Thesis). It is possible that a student may complete a thesis and not receive a magna or summa cum laude designation.
	Students must have earned an A or B in at least one semester of an approved 4911/4935 course. The distinction of magna cum laude is based on an evaluation of the thesis by the faculty advisor and second reader.	Students must have earned an A or B in at least one semester of an approved 4911/4935 course. Students’ writing and research must be excellent, of nearly publishable quality. The distinction of summa cum laude is based on an evaluation of the thesis by the faculty advisor and second reader.

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.

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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.	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.

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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.

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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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