The Departmental Honors Program in Psychology

 

Objectives.  The Departmental Honors Program in Psychology is a complement to the university-wide Honors Program in the General Education Program. The University expects students to pursue the program requirements during the junior and senior years after completion of the General Education program requirements.  The Departmental Honor Program is designed to broaden the range and increase the depth of study in the major by providing opportunities for (1) developing advanced analytical and critical thinking skills specific to the discipline, (2) reading extensively and intensively the seminal great books in the field, (3) investigating, conducting research on and defending a topic, thesis, or project, (4) laying the foundation for life-long, independent learning, and (5) developing a sense of belonging in the Community of Scholars and a commitment to the advancement of knowledge.

 

Eligibility.  To qualify for admission to the Departmental Honors Program in Psychology, students:  (1) must have earned a minimum of 56 credits, at least 25 of which must have been earned at Morgan, (2) must have a cumulative average of 3.4 or higher, (3) must have a major average of 3.4 or higher in all required and supporting courses completed for the major, and (4) must file a formal application, be interviewed, and be admitted to the Program by the Department.

 

Program Requirements.  Students admitted to the Departmental Honors Program in Psychology must complete the following course requirements:

 

PSYC 388 Great Books—Directed Reading I

2 credits

PSYC 389 Great Books—Directed Reading II

2 credits

PSYC 488 Senior Honors Thesis I

3 credits

PSYC 489 Senior Honors Thesis II   

3 credits

 

In addition, students must, based on the research conducted in their Senior Thesis courses, write and, in April of the senior year, defend a Senior Thesis on a topic approved by the department. 

 

To remain in the Departmental Honors Program in Psychology, students:  (1) must, once admitted to the Program, complete all remaining courses in the major at Morgan (unless excused from doing so by the Dean), (2) must maintain a major average of 3.4 or higher, (3) and must complete all courses in the Departmental Honors Program with an average of 3.4 or higher.

 

Students who complete the requirements outlined above will be graduated with Departmental Honors, which will be conferred in a ceremony associated with graduation exercises.