Biomedical Science students have the opportunity to graduate with up to three different honors.
- Latin Honors (i.e., Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude) is based exclusively on the cumulative GPA at the end of the penultimate semester.
- Graduation with Research Distinction in Biomedical Science is for those who complete an honors thesis.
- Graduation with Honors in Medicine is for those who complete the tenets of the College of Medicine Honors Program, which includes having at least a 3.4 cumulative GPA.
Biomedical Science students affiliated with the College of Medicine Honors Program should view the designated Carmen site to access necessary documents.
Helpful hints for submitting a proposal for an honors thesis
- Submit your proposal early so you are eligible for funding consideration.
- Follow the instructions
- Have your lab mentor review your proposal prior to submission. Allow time to edit the proposal based on your mentor's feedback.
Reasons for completing an honors thesis
- You've put a great deal of time and effort into your research experience, and a thesis is a tangible result of this work.
- It will likely be the more independent research experience you will have had. It will make you understand research on a whole new level.
- Everyone knows research is required in the Biomedical Science major; the experience alone does not stand out. The thesis demonstrates your commitment to doing more than the minimum requirement.
- If you are applying to graduate/professional school during your senior year, the thesis is a great talking point for your interviews, as well as a reason to send updates to schools. Everyone respects the work that goes into a thesis.
- The workload in graduate and professional school is significantly more challenging than undergraduate. Completing a thesis while taking classes and pursuing your co-curricular activities (as well as interviewing) will require excellent time management, a skill that will make the transition to the next level a little easier.