What will I learn in the Honors Program?

The honors component teaches you to reason, analyze and perform on a higher level than traditional undergraduate work. Innovative methods used to enhance student learning include reading, writing and laboratory experiences that add intellectual depth to the regular classroom material; research and teaching assistantships; and oral presentations based on research. The honors program provides faculty members and students with an opportunity for substantial interaction at least every other week.

Students who complete a bachelor’s degree with a departmental honors designation from the Department of Child and Family Studies face a realm of exciting opportunities. The workplace varies from one-on-one environments with young children to family service agencies and classroom settings. Among the numerous careers in Child and Family Studies you may find employment as a family caseworker, early childhood educator, child care financial manager, kindergarten or elementary school teacher, or educational director.

Are there program prerequisites?

Yes. You must enroll in the general honors program and complete at least 10 credit hours of general honors courses (refer to the honors program site for more information).

What are the grade requirements?

You must maintain a "B" or above in all department of Child and Family Studies courses.

Is there an application deadline?

No. If you are preparing to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Child and Family Studies, you may also earn a departmental honors designation in three program areas: early childhood, early childhood education or family studies.

What are the course and credit hour requirements?

You have two options to follow to earn departmental honors:

Option I

Complete at least 18 credit hours of honors courses, including at least two credit hours in ChFam 4860, taken as a Child and Family Studies honors practicum. You may earn Child and Family Studies honors credit in any Child and Family Studies course numbered 2000 and above. *

Option II

Complete at least 12 credit hours of honors courses, including at least two credit hours in ChFam 4860, taken as a Child and Family Studies honors practicum. You may earn Child and Family Studies honors credit in any Child and Family Studies course numbered 2000 and above.*

In addition, you must complete six to nine credit hours in Hnrs 4990B (Honors Senior Project). This provides an opportunity for you to do a research project of quality to be presented to the faculty or to a professional meeting.

You are free to switch options with the consent of your major advisor. Any course selected for honors may be changed to non-honors status within the first five weeks of the semester.

* You must seek permission from the department chair before registering in a course for honors credit. You must have a written agreement with the appropriate professor concerning the work expected for honors credit (refer to the honors program site for more information).