Honors Study
The Department of Biobehavioral Health houses the Biobehavioral Health and Systems Neuroscience honors programs. Students in these programs are part of the Schreyer Honors College, a vibrant learning community of scholars at Penn State.
Benefits of being a Schreyer Scholar
There are distinct opportunities afforded to Schreyer Scholars, including academic enrichment — such as honors courses, research opportunities, and production of an honors thesis — as well as dedicated housing and the distinction of graduating with honors from Penn State.
Expectations of students receiving honors
Students in both Biobehavioral Health and Systems Neuroscience must fulfill the requirements of the Schreyer Honors College and the program in which they are seeking honors.
- Review the Biobehavioral Health honors thesis guide.
- Review the Systems Neuroscience honors thesis guide.
Admissions process for current students
The Biobehavioral Health and Systems Neuroscience honors programs welcome applicants from current Penn State students.
In addition to the requirements of the Honors College, students seeking honors in Biobehavioral Health or Systems Neuroscience are required to have a commitment from a faculty member to serve as a thesis supervisor. The commitment should be in the form of a letter of support to the honors adviser stating that, should the applicant be admitted, the faculty member would accept the role of thesis supervisor.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I do this? I'm scared about writing a thesis.
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Yes. Most of us are scared to do something new, and a thesis is a big — but rewarding — challenge. We will help you identify your interests early in the program and guide you as you identify a thesis supervisor. You will also take a research methods course to help you build a strong foundation of knowledge before you start your thesis.
And the benefits of completing a thesis are meaningful. The skills and knowledge that you develop during the thesis process — critical thinking skills, analytical skills, strong writing skills, experience working with a thesis supervisor, and experience breaking a large task into manageable pieces — will help you in whatever career you choose.
- Is research an integral part of the honors experience?
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Yes, research is an integral part of earning honors in both Biobehavioral Health and Systems Neuroscience. In addition to taking an honors research methods course, you will be required to complete a research-driven thesis under the mentorship of a faculty member.
Even if you aren't considering a research-oriented career, the skills you gain are transferable to many careers. Students who earned honors have gone on to careers in medicine, public health, law, and other allied professions.
- Can I still do an internship?
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Yes. Honors students are encouraged to get real-world experience as part of the Schreyer Honors College mission to promote leadership and civic engagement. These opportunities include not only internships, but volunteering in the community, acting as a teaching assistant, and working in a research lab. Most honors students have more than one real-world experience during their time as a Schreyer Scholar.
- Can I study abroad and still be in the Honors College?
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Yes. A mission of the Schreyer Honors College is for scholars to build a global perspective, and one way this is achieved is through a study abroad program. The honors curriculum is designed so you can study abroad and still be well-prepared for your thesis.
- I see a lot of requirements. Will I still graduate on time?
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Yes. The Honors College requirements replace some of the typical requirements for your major. In fact, because of the flexibility the Honors College provides — and because many honors students have AP credits and occasionally take more than 15 credits per semester — some honors students even graduate early.
