College Honors involves an independent research project within the physics department that is directed by a faculty member. The research project, which requires six credits of independent research, culminates in an Honors Thesis. The student receives six credits of honors/physics on his/her transcript as well as receiving recognition at Honors Day in April. Eligible students are invited by the department to participate in this program. Interested students should inquire about possible research opportunities at the end of their junior year.

Undergraduate students who have completed five physics courses with an overall GPA in the top third of their class are eligible for nomination to membership in the Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society. 

This award is presented for outstanding undergraduate experimental research in physics. The Crowell award is given to a senior physics major demonstrating promise in experimental physics through a research or laboratory project.

This prize is awarded annually to a senior physics major for performed outstanding service to the department and their fellow majors as well as to those who have achieved an outstanding academic record. Recent recipients have gone on to graduate schools at UVM, M.I.T., Stanford, Cornell, RPI, and the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Students engaged in research in physics are eligible for nomination to associate membership in the Sigma Xi scientific research society.