Science Honors Research

College of the Sciences
Ellensburg
Lind Hall, room 118A

509-963-2718
www.cwu.edu/sciences/science-honors-program
See the website for how this program may be used for educational and career purposes.

Program Director
Audrey Huerta, PhD
huerta@geology.cwu.edu

Program Information
The two-year Science Honors Research Program is centered on a faculty-mentored student research project that culminates in an honors thesis. Applications to the program consist of a research proposal developed under the guidance of a faculty mentor. All proposals are reviewed by a faculty committee. Application deadline is in winter quarter.

Students are normally admitted to the program during their junior year and are employed for nine weeks during the summer, when they are expected to perform the bulk of their research activities. Required coursework consists of SHP 301 (2 credits), SHP 401 (2 credits), and SHP 497 (1 credit). Research continues during the senior year, concluding with a written honors thesis and an oral presentation at the CWU Symposium on University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE).

Admission Requirements
Admission to the program is competitive, based on the quality of the research proposal submitted by the applicant and faculty mentor. Approximately 10 students are admitted each year. Application forms, criteria, and deadline are posted on the Science Honors website, www.cwu.edu/~cots/scihonors.

Exit Requirements
Satisfactory completion of SHP 497, which requires the submission of an honors thesis that is approved by faculty mentor and program director, is required for participation in honors convocation and to receive an honors designation on the transcript.

Required Extracurricular Activity
Students are expected to work full time on their proposed research project for nine weeks during the summer and to participate in group activities and weekly meetings. Students should not be working more than 15 hours per week at another job, nor be enrolled in other classes during the summer. Exceptions may be made for certain required summer courses, such as GEOL 489.

Courses

Science Honors Program