Upper Division Thesis Honors Program
The Upper Division Thesis Honors Program provides opportunities for junior and senior students to complete intensive research and creative projects under the guidance of research and design experts, emphasizing and encouraging holistic and multidisciplinary awareness to the problems and opportunities of the environment. ESF students in the following majors -- aquatic and fisheries science, biotechnology, chemistry, conservation biology, forest ecosystems science [dual option], environmental biology, environmental science, environmental studies, forest engineering, forest health, forest resources management, landscape architecture, natural history and interpretation, natural resources management, and wildlife science -- are eligible to participate in the upper division thesis honors program. All students who conduct research in the upper division thesis honors program are eligible to apply for research funding awards in support of expenses related to the thesis or project.
Admission
To be invited to apply, students must meet the minimum cumulative grade point requirement of at least a 3.500 at the end of 60 credits of lower division preparation, which is typically at the beginning of their junior year or between the first and second semester of their junior year. In unusual circumstances, students are invited to apply in the beginning of their senior year. This credit requirement includes any courses taken while matriculated at ESF and any transfer courses accepted toward the ESF degree. Students who are invited to apply for admission must also submit a personal statement to describe possible areas of interest for scholarly inquiry.
Program Requirements
Students in the thesis program must complete degree requirements with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.400 for all upper division courses and the following coursework:
- Thesis Exploration Seminar (ESF 309, 1 credit)
- Two courses that contribute directly to the honors thesis/project. These courses must be either: a) In the student's major or a related area at the 400-, 500- or 600-level and must not be a requirement for all students in that major (Students admitted to the ESF Honors Program are eligible to enroll (by petition) in appropriate courses numbered 600 to 699; or b) An enhanced or graduate level version of a required upper division course.
- A total of at least four credits of Honors Thesis/Project (ESF 499, 1-5 credits) with a grade of B or better. Students must supplement their work with an honors essay and presentation at the Spotlight on Student Research and an honors review committee.
Academic Standing
Honors students will be deemed “in good standing in honors” when they demonstrate steady progress in fulfilling program requirements and a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher. Each semester, the Honors Program Director will assess students’ progress and students who are not in good standing in honors will be informed in writing. Students who maintain good standing in honors will have early registration privileges.
Contact
Marla A. Jabbour, Ph.D., Director
ESF Honors Programs
227 Bray Hall
1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210
Office Phone: 315.470.6599 FAX 315.470.6978
marla.jabbour@esf.edu
