Honors

Eligibility Requirements 

To apply for Honors in Environmental Science (B.S.), students must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum GPA: 3.50 in Environmental Studies and Sciences courses, and a 3.30 overall GPA.
• Prerequisites: Completion of ENVS 201: Environmental Research: Introductory in your sophomore or junior year.
• Continued Coursework: Students are encouraged to do summer research after their junior year, followed by ENVS 301: Environmental Research: Intermediate (Fall of senior year) and ENVS 402: Environmental Research: Advanced (Spring of senior year).

How to Apply 

Applications must be submitted to the ENVS Curriculum Committee by March 15 of your junior year.

1. Complete a 300–500 word summary of your proposed research project using this form.
2. Submit your application and an unofficial academic transcript (showing current overall and major GPAs) to csilidjian@ithaca.edu

The ENVS faculty will review applicant qualifications, the suitability of the research, and verify faculty sponsorship. The committee reserves the right to cancel an application by the end of September if the full proposal is deemed unacceptable.

The Honors Process

• Forming a Committee: By May 1 of your junior year, you must form a committee of three faculty members (including your ENVS faculty sponsor and at least one other ENVS faculty member).
• Writing the Proposal: In consultation with your sponsor, you will write a 1,000–2,500 word project proposal.
• Writing the Paper: At the culmination of your research, you will write a final 5,000-word honors paper.
• Public Presentation & Granting Honors: You will present your project publicly in mid-April. Afterward, you will meet with your committee to discuss the research in detail, at which point the committee will decide whether to grant Honors.

Important Deadlines

(Note: These deadlines can be adjusted for December graduates)