The College Honors program--also known simply as the Honors Thesis-- is designed for superior students with unusual initiative and intellectual curiosity. It provides an opportunity to pursue two semesters (six credits) of independent research under the direction of a faculty sponsor. Students may pursue a thesis or creative project.

All eligible seniors in the College of Arts & Sciences may apply to pursue an Honors Thesis, regardless of whether they are in the Honors College. It is specifically required for CAS students enrolled in the Honors College. 

• Pursuing an Honors Thesis in CAS
   

CAS Students dually enrolled in the Honors College have additional requirements leading up to their senior year and Honors Thesis. More information about those specific Honors College requirements is provided below.

After completing the first and sophomore year requirements in HCOL, in the junior year Honors College students work on developing research methods and identifying research questions (usually in their home schools/colleges) that will prepare them for their Honors Thesis. Honors College students who complete all curricular requirements of the Honors College as well as a degree in one of the seven undergraduate colleges and schools at UVM will graduate as Honors College Scholars.

• Requirements for Completion of Honors College Program
• Pursuing an Honors Thesis in CAS

Many of the College of Arts and Sciences departments have opportunities for their majors to achieve departmental honors.  For example, the History Department faculty nominate students who have submitted exceptional papers in 200-level seminar courses. These papers are then reviewed by a faculty committee for honors selection. Economics majors with an economics GPA of 3.5 or higher at the end of the fall semester of that year are eligible to submit a portfolio of work to a faculty committee for review and honors selection. Additional information is available on individual department websites.

Bachelor's degrees may be conferred and the diploma inscribed with honors in recognition of general high standing in scholarship. Students in the top one percent of the graduating class of their college/school will receive summa cum laude; the following three percent will receive magna cum laude; the next six percent will receive cum laude. The total number of honors awarded will not exceed ten percent of the graduating class of each college/school. 

The Honors College at UVM is a residential college enrolling some of the most capable students from our full spectrum of programs. Honors College students who complete all curricular requirements of the Honors College as well as a degree in one of the seven undergraduate colleges and schools at UVM will graduate as Honors College Scholars.