Department Honors

  • Agricultural Science
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.50 or above cumulative GPA.
    2. Complete an individual research project (as approved/supervised by a faculty member) and present at the Student Research Conference or appropriate professional meeting or submit a paper for publication in an appropriate journal or research bulletin.
    3. Achieve 75th percentile or above on ACAT or other approved senior test for agriculture.
    4. Approval of a majority of non-abstaining AGSC faculty.
  • Art: Studio Art
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. GPA: 3.50 or above cumulative.
    2. GPA: 3.50 or above in the major.
    3. Receive an “A” in Senior Capstone Experience/Studio.
    4. Provide documentation to Honors Committee Chair of acceptance in an exhibition.
  • Art: Design
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. GPA: 3.50 or above cumulative.
    2. GPA: 3.50 or above in the major.
    3. Receive an “A” in Senior Capstone Experience/Visual Communications.
    4. Provide documentation to Honors Committee Chair of acceptance in an exhibition or internship in the design field.
  • Art History
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. GPA: 3.50 or above cumulative.
    2. GPA: 3.50 or above in the major.
    3. Receive an “A” in both semesters of Senior Thesis (ART 436 and ART 437).
    4. Provide documentation to Honors Committee Chair of presentation at an off-campus conference, either regional or national (NCUR, Midwest Art History Society, or other venue).
  • Athletic Training
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Apply for departmental honors through the Health and Exercises Department Office during the graduating semester.
    2. Major GPA of 3.50 or higher.
    3. Overall GPA of 3.50 or higher.
    4. Complete a research project and present at Truman’s Student Research Conference, a professional conference, or publish a paper (a paper that has been submitted or accepted for publication will qualify).*
    5. Obtain a passing score on the BOC.
    6. Receive concurrence from majority of Athletic Training faculty.
      *Present means the individual was a major contributor to the research project (assisted in data collection, assisted in data reduction and analysis, and assisted in preparation of the manuscript, poster or oral presentation).  A major contributor is one who participates substantively in all parts of the project, not a person who simply assisted with data collection.  The faculty mentor is responsible for verifying level of participation.
  • Biology
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Declare intent to pursue honors at least two semesters in advance of graduation.  A brief form is available at https://wp-internal.truman.edu/biology/forms/.
    2. GPA: 3.50 or higher, or MFAT score equal to or above the 75th percentile.
    3. Design and conduct an original research project in consultation with a Truman biology faculty member.  If the research is conducted off-campus, the consulting Truman biology faculty member must be involved from the outset.
    4. Complete a written manuscript in journal style of publishable quality, which must be approved by a committee of at least three Truman biology faculty.
    5. Present a 20-minute seminar on the research at a regular biology discipline weekly seminar.See your academic advisor or the Biology Department Chair for specific details.
  • Chemistry
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Complete the calculus-based PHYS 195-196 sequence.
    2. Score at or above the 50th percentile on the American Chemical Society nationally-normed exam in 3 out of 5 of the “core” areas (organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, biochemistry).
    3. Achieve the University’s academic standards for graduating cum laude (achieving a GPA of 3.50 or above) and one of the following criteria:
      1. Obtain the 90th percentile on the departmental senior test.
      2. Progress successfully on a research project of at least two semesters effort, write a research report according to the CHEM 443 guidelines, give a research seminar/presentation, and register for two credits of research. View CHEM 443 Guidelines>
  • Classics
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.50 or better overall GPA.
    2. 3.50 or better major GPA.
    3. Excellence in Greek and/or Latin languages (demonstrated by superior achievement on the local senior translation tests, a winning placement or honorable mention on a national Eta Sigma Phi contest test, or superior performance in a course such as Latin Prose Composition).
    4. Excellence in research (demonstrated by superior presentation of capstone, Truman Student Research Conference, or other conference or publication).
    5. Positive contribution to the promotion of the discipline (tutoring, Classics Club, etc.).
    6. Approval of non-abstaining faculty (Classical Studies Committee).
  • Communication
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.50 or better overall GPA.
    2. 3.50 or better major GPA.
    3. Satisfactory completion of original communication research project, an evaluated for-credit communication internship, or a high-impact experience in the field of communication.
    4. Score in the 85th percentile or better on the departmental Senior Test.
    5. Concurrence of majority of non-abstaining Communication faculty.
    6. Submit application to department office the first week of the final semester.
  • Communication Disorders
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. An overall Truman GPA of 3.65.
    2. A major GPA of 3.75.
    3. Leadership and pursuit of leadership/knowledge out of the classroom demonstrated by evidence in at least three of the following four categories:
      1. Presentation of research at a state of national conference such as the annual convention of the Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association, ASHA, etc.
      2. Officer or Gold Member status in the student Communication Disorders Association (CoDA).
      3. Completion of senior capstone CMDS 480 Clinical Practicum with a grade of “A”.
      4. Demonstrated leadership in a university activity such as music or athletics, or in a non-CMDS university or community organization.
    4. Approval by the Communication Disorders faculty.
  • Computer Science
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Overall GPA of 3.50 or better.
    2. Major GPA of 3.50 or better.
    3. Score of 80th percentile or better on senior exam.
    4. Demonstration of excellence in scholarship through production of scholarly paper or project.
    5. Approval of a majority of the regular Computer Science faculty.
  • English
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.50 or better overall GPA.
    2. 3.75 or better major GPA (BA or BS).
  1. A 15-page paper (or the equivalent) supervised by a mentor and approved by the English Honors Committee.
    Procedure:

    1. Eligible student chooses a faculty member with expertise in the topic for the 15-page paper or project and asks that faculty member to mentor the student in the paper or project.
    2. Student, under guidance of the mentor, writes a formal abstract of the paper/project to be submitted to the English Honors Committee no later than April 15 for December graduates; October 1 for May graduates; and February 15 for August graduates.
    3. Student will work with mentor on the approved paper/ project.
    4. Student will submit paper/project to the English Honors Committee by November 1 for December graduates; April 1 for May graduates; and July 1 for August graduates.
  • Exercise Science
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Apply for departmental honors through the Health and Exercises Department Office during the graduating semester.
    2. Major GPA of 3.50 or higher.
    3. Overall GPA of 3.50 or higher.
    4. Complete a research project and present at Truman’s Student Research Conference, a professional conference, or publish a paper (a paper that has been submitted or accepted for publication will qualify).*
    5. Obtain a passing score on the ACSM’s EP-C.
    6. Receive concurrence from majority of Exercise Science faculty.
      *Present means the individual was a major contributor to the research project (assisted in data collection, assisted in data reduction and analysis, and assisted in preparation of the manuscript, poster or oral presentation).  A major contributor is one who participates substantively in all parts of the project, not a person who simply assisted with data collection.  The faculty mentor is responsible for verifying level of participation.
  • French
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Overall GPA of 3.50 or better.
    2. Major GPA of 3.50 or better.
    3. Either:
      1. Study abroad (at least one summer) with a GPA of 3.50 or above in those courses, OR
      2. Take one additional upper-level French course (in addition to those required for the French major), OR
      3. Demonstrate excellence in undergraduate research outside of class work, OR
      4. Demonstrate significant activity/leadership in the French program (i.e., Pi Delta Phi, French wing, French play).
    4. Demonstrate excellence in the French capstone project. Students who meet the above criteria may apply for French Honors by submitting a brief letter, along with documentation demonstrating that the criteria (above) have been met, to the French Program Coordinator.
  • German
    Minimum Criteria for Honors in German:

    1. 3.50 overall Truman GPA
    2. 3.80 GPA in German courses
      Procedure for Applying for Honors in German if You Meet the Above Minimum Criteria:

      1. Letter of application written in German
      2. Portfolio of work in the German Program
      3. Oral Interview
        Deadline for Application: Before midterm of the graduating semester.
        Each applicant should meet with his/her capstone professor or German convener for details.
  • Health Science
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Apply for departmental honors through the Health and Exercises Department Office during the graduating semester.
    2. Major GPA of 3.50 or higher.
    3. Overall GPA of 3.50 or higher.
    4. Complete a research project and present at Truman’s Student Research Conference, a professional conference, or publish a paper (a paper that has been submitted or accepted for publication will qualify).*
    5. Obtain a passing score on the CHES.
    6. Receive concurrence from majority of Health Science faculty.
      *Present means the individual was a major contributor to the research project (assisted in data collection, assisted in data reduction and analysis, and assisted in preparation of the manuscript, poster or oral presentation).  A major contributor is one who participates substantively in all parts of the project, not a person who simply assisted with data collection.  The faculty mentor is responsible for verifying level of participation.
  • History
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Completion of at least 42 credit hours in History major courses.
    2. Completion of History and Theory (HIST 497).
    3. Overall GPA of 3.25 or higher.
    4. A preponderance of As and no more than one C in History courses.
  • Linguistics
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.50 or above cumulative GPA
    2. 3.70 or above major GPA Students will complete a senior capstone research project in conjunction with the senior seminar course.  The capstone project will be judged according to eight criteria: 1. Command of linguistic terminology; 2. Knowledge of linguistic theory;
    3. Knowledge of previous scholarly work;
    4. Scientific treatment of data;
    5. Analysis of data;
    6. Sensitivity to linguistic diversity;
    7. Connection to other academic areas and real-life endeavors; and
    8. Command of academic discourse.  If the capstone project is deemed proficient in all outcomes and excellent in 4 or more, and if the student meets the above GPA requirements, s/he is awarded disciplinary honors in linguistics.
  • Mathematics
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Overall GPA of 3.50 or better.
    2. Major GPA of 3.50 or better.
    3. Score of 80th percentile or better on MFAT in mathematics.
    4. Demonstrate excellence in scholarship with a scholarly paper or project, or by an exemplary showing at an approved mathematics competition.
    5. Approval of a majority of the non-abstaining mathematics faculty.
  • Music: Bachelor of Arts in Music (Pre-Certification)
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.50 or above cumulative GPA
    2. 3.50 or above music course GPA
    3. A on Senior Recital
    4. Presentation at a research conference – Truman State University Student Research Conference, NCUR, CMS, MENC, MMTA, other
    5. Approval of non-abstaining faculty
  • Music: Bachelor of Arts in Music, Liberal Arts
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.50 or above cumulative GPA.
    2. 3.50 or above music course GPA
    3. A on Capstone Project
    4. Presentation at a research conference – Truman State University Student Research Conference, NCUR, CMS, MENC, MMTA, other.
    5. Approval of non-abstaining faculty
  • Music: Bachelor of Arts in Music, General
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.50 or above cumulative GPA
    2. 3.50 or above music course GPA
    3. A on Senior Recital
    4. Presentation at a research conference – Truman State University Student Research Conference, NCUR, CMS, MENC, MMTA, other
    5. Approval of non-abstaining faculty
  • Music: Bachelor of Music with Emphasis Groups
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.50 or above cumulative GPA.
    2. 3.50 or above music course GPA
    3. A on Junior and Senior Recital
    4. Presentation at a research conference – Truman State University Student Research Conference, NCUR, CMS, MENC, MMTA, other.
    5. Approval of non-abstaining faculty
  • Nursing
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Cumulative and major GPAs of 3.50 or better.
    2. Produce a scholarly paper or project to be presented in a public seminar.
    3. Score above the 50th percentile on the program comprehensive examination. 4. Receive approval of a majority of the Nursing faculty.
  • Philosophy & Religion
    Primary consideration will be given to

    1. performance in courses within the major,
    2. the quality of the senior thesis,
    3. the recommendation of the external examiner, and
    4. evidence of the student’s commitment to scholarly values. Consideration will also be given to
    5. performance in courses outside the major,
    6. contributions to the intellectual life of the campus,
    7. public scholarly activity, and
    8. other independent scholarship.
  • Physics
    Meet at least one of the following two requirements:

    1. GPA in required physics major courses of 3.50 or higher with a score at or above the 90th percentile in the Physics Major Field Test, OR
    2. GPA in required physics major courses of 3.75 or higher with a score at or above the 80th percentile in the Physics Major Field Test.
  • Political Science
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Overall GPA of 3.65 or higher.
    2. Major GPA of 3.75 or higher.
    3. Leadership and pursuit of knowledge out of the classroom demonstrated by evidence in at least two of the following three categories:
      1. Present research at an organized conference, such as Truman’s Student Research Conference, a regional political science conference, or Truman’s Women’s Conference.
      2. Achieve a significant off-campus learning experience, such as a study abroad or university sanctioned internship (generally this will be an experience of at least one semester/12 hours).
      3. Demonstrate excellence in a university activity, such as forensics or athletics, or in a university or community organization or activity.
    4. Approval by the Political Science faculty.
  • Psychology
    Meet all the following requirements:

    1. Meet any three of the following four criteria:
      1. Overall GPA of 3.50 or better
      2. Major GPA of 3.75 or better
      3. “A” in Psychological Research (PSYC 466)
      4. 80th Percentile or above on Major Field Test (MFT)
    2. Demonstrate research excellence beyond PSYC466 in the form of at least one of the following:
      1. Paper publication
      2. Presentation at the Student Research Conference
      3. Presentation at a conference outside the university
    3. Demonstrate excellence in serving the Psychology Department in the form of at least one activity such as:
      1. Serving as an officer in Psi Chi or Psychology Club
      2. Assisting at a Prospective Student Visit Day or Majors Day
      3. Serving as a lab manager or grader for a psychology professor
    4. Receive the approval of a majority of non-abstaining Psychology faculty

    Submitting an application guarantees consideration for this award. The application form is available at https://wp-internal.truman.edu/psychology/forms/. Psychology faculty can also nominate students.

  • Romance Language
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. 3.75 minimum GPA in the ROML major AND minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.5.
    2. Excellence in the Capstone, or, for students in ROML 490, strong process in the Capstone as verified by Capstone mentor.
    3. Study abroad in the ROML major OR take one extra 300-level (or higher) course in Latin or in a Romance Language.
  • Sociology/Anthropology
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Overall GPA of 3.50 or better.
    2. Major GPA of 3.75 or better  OR a Senior Test Score at or above the 90th percentile nationally.
    3. Leadership and pursuit of knowledge out of the classroom demonstrated by evidence in at least two of the following three categories:
      1. Present research at an organized conference, such as Truman’s Student Research Conference, the Women’s Studies Conference, or Environmental Studies Conference, or at a regional or national conference for sociology or anthropology.
      2. Achieve a significant off-campus learning experience, such as study abroad, national service or university-sanctioned internship.
      3. Demonstrate leadership or excellence in a University activity, such as forensics or athletics, or in a University or community organization or activity, or through service learning beyond course requirements (such as an experience organized through a student organization and approved for the Co-curricular record).
    4. Approval by the Sociology/Anthropology faculty.
  • Spanish
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Overall GPA of 3.50 or better.
    2. Major GPA of 3.50 or better.
    3. Either:
      1. Study abroad (at least one summer) with a GPA of 3.50 or above in those courses, OR
      2. Take one additional upper-level Spanish course OR
      3. Demonstrate excellence in undergraduate research outside of class work OR d. Demonstrate significant activity/leadership in the Spanish program (Spanish Club, Sigma Delta Pi, Spanish wing).
    4. Demonstrate excellence in a capstone project.
  • Statistics
    Meet all of the following requirements:

    1. Maintaining an overall grade point average of 3.5,
    2. Maintaining a major grade point average of 3.5,
    3. Scoring at or above the 80th percentile on the senior exam.
    4. Demonstrating excellence in scholarship by producing a scholarly paper or project, and
    5. Receiving the concurrence of the statistics faculty.