Upon the completion of an honors thesis, and upon the recommendation of the Department of Chemistry, the B.A. or B.S. degree with a major in chemistry may be awarded with honors in chemistry or highest honors in chemistry.

To attain the honors or highest distinction, the candidate must satisfy the following guidelines:

• Complete an honors thesis project and write an accompanying honors thesis
• Achieve an overall grade point average of 3.30 or higher.
• Achieve a chemistry major grade point average of 3.40 or higher.
• Prior to the final semester during which the honors thesis is completed, conduct two semesters or one semester plus one summer of research in the laboratory in which the thesis work will be completed. This research can be through Chem 395, work-study, funded or paid research, or volunteer.

Honors in chemistry is a distinction bestowed on an outstanding student who has completed a research project of considerable merit, as certified by the research advisor and two faculty members appointed by the director of undergraduate studies.

Highest honors in chemistry is a distinction bestowed on a truly exceptional student who has completed a research project of considerable depth and significance that meets the most rigorous standards of scholarly excellence, as certified by the research advisor and two faculty members appointed by the director of undergraduate studies.

Students who wish to complete an honors thesis should begin planning their course programs and research activities during or before the junior year so that ample time and effort may be devoted to research.