College of the Sciences
Ellensburg
Lind Hall, room 118A
509-963-2718
www.cwu.edu/~cots/scihonors
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.
Science Honors Courses
SHP 301. Science Honors Junior Seminar: Elements of Scientific Research (2). The process of science from a multi-disciplinary perspective, including the historical development of scientific methods and reasoning, effective experimental design, and the interpretation of measurements.
SHP 401. Science Honors Capstone Seminar (2). Skills and techniques for communicating the results of scientific research. Students prepare the final draft of their Science Honors thesis as part of the coursework.
SHP 497. Science Honors Thesis (1). Completion of Science Honors thesis. Strategies for effective oral presentation of scientific work will also be covered. Students must present results of Science Honors project at SOURCE. Grade will either be S or U. Prerequisites: SHP 401 and admission to the Science Honors Program.