Environmental Science & Ecology’s Honors Program
The Honors Program in Environmental Science and Ecology provides hands-on experience with the scientific method through a multi-semester independent research experience. The program is designed to lead the undergraduate researcher through a complete research project, from developing an original research question and drafting a formal research proposal, to collecting and analyzing data, and drawing formal conclusions that add knowledge to our understanding of environmental science and ecology.
The Honors student is required to write a formal thesis based on their research project and deliver an oral presentation at a local, regional, or national scientific meeting. The completion of the Honors Program in Environmental Science and Ecology will add only two to three credits to an undergraduate student’s course work.
Program Requirements
- Honors students must maintain a cumulative 3.25 GPA in order to earn the Environmental Science and Ecology Honors Degree.
- Honors students must complete all University and Environmental Science major requirements.
- Consistent with the University Honors Program, students will be allowed to drop below a 3.25 GPA for no more than one semester. If they have not raised their GPA to 3.25 or above by the end of the semester, they will be dropped from the program.
- Sophomore students with less than 54 credits must complete ENV 290 Introduction to Honors Research (one credit).
- All Honors students must complete ENV 494 Honors Research (at least three credits), ENV 493 Environmental Science Seminar (at least one credit), and ENV 496 Honors Thesis (one credit).
- The Honors Thesis must be approved by the Honors Coordinator and University Honors Program designee and must be presented at Scholar’s Day or an appropriate alternative public forum.
- All Honors students must have identified a faculty mentor willing to accept them into their research group before admittance.
Admission Requirements
- Matriculated native students (sophomore through first semester junior) must have a ≥ 3.50 GPA overall and in all science/math courses. Native freshman students are not eligible to apply.
- Transfer students must have a minimum transfer GPA of 3.25 overall and in all science/math courses, and complete at least 12 credit hours at SUNY Brockport, including at least one majors course, with a minimum GPA of 3.50.
Curriculum
- ENV 290 Introduction to Honors Research (one credit): Provides an introduction to scientific research and the scientific method. Field and laboratory techniques will be introduced in the context of developing a thesis proposal. Only students with less than 54 college credits may register. Requires prior approval of the faculty mentor.
- ENV 494 Honors Research (up to three credits): Provides an independent research experience for Honors students in Environmental Science and Ecology with a faculty mentor (to be identified). Juniors and seniors only. May be repeated. Requires prior approval of the faculty mentor.
- ENV 493 Environmental Science and Ecology Seminar (one credit): Provides a venue for professional development and discussion of current topics in Environmental Science and Ecology. Juniors and seniors only. May be repeated.
- ENV 496 Honors Thesis (one credit): The Honors Research Project culminates in a written Honors Thesis to be presented at Scholar’s Day or another appropriate scientific forum. The thesis must be approved by the Honors Coordinator and University Honors Program designee. Requires prior approval of the faculty mentor. Students must have obtained an overall GPA and a GPA in the major of 3.25 in order to register. A minimum grade of B must be obtained to receive Departmental Honors.
Apply Now
Students who qualify for the Honors program may fill out a simple application online via MachForms. The link will be provided by request.
