Honors Study

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.