Graduation with Honors

What You Need to Do

1. Maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average by graduation.
2. To complete the Honors Program, students must successfully complete a minimum of 4.5 units of Honors coursework, including the following components:
   • 3.0 units of HONS courses from any combination of the following:
     • Freshman/Sophomore Honors Seminars
     • Honors Tutorials
     • Honors Courses
     • Honors-in-Course
   • 0.25 unit – HONS 301: Honors Research & Inquiry Seminar
     (Typically taken during the fall or spring of the junior year)
   • 0.25 unit – HONS 302: Honors Capstone Seminar
     (Typically taken during the fall or spring of the junior year)
   • 1.0 unit – Honors Independent Study (490H)
     (At least 1 unit, usually taken during the spring of the junior year or fall/spring of the senior year)

Honors Capstone: Step-by-Step Guide (refer to the timeline below)

1. Choose your examining committee:
   • Select 3–4 faculty members (with your mentor's input):
     • 2+ from your thesis field
     • 1 from a different discipline
   • Once they agree, send their names to Sarah Brook (slbrook@owu.edu)
2. Apply to graduate with honors:
   • Submit the Honors Graduation Application
   • Deadline: End of Week 12 of the semester before your final semester
3. Submit your written project:
   • Turn in a written report, creative work, or reflection to your committee
   • Due by the end of the semester before graduation
4. Complete the oral exam:
   • Held in your final semester
   • Your committee will review your work and conduct an oral defense
5. Committee decision:
   • If approved, your committee notifies Sarah Brook (slbrook@owu.edu)
   • Deadline: End of Week 13 of your final semester
6. Submit final version:
   • Make any final edits
   • Upload your project using the Honors Project Submission Form.

Honors Project Due Dates