Honors Programs at UCI & Program Contact Information

Honors in Acting.
Students in this program receive the “Honors in Acting” notation on their official transcript, nomination and recommendation for national University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) auditions, eligibility (on a space available basis) for South Coast Repertory Theatre internships, currently available only to M.F.A. students, and eligibility to audition at UCI-screened Shakespearean Festivals. Admission to this honors program requires both eligibility and a special audition. For more detailed Information about the program, consult the Drama section of the UCI General Catalogue or the website (http://catalogue.uci.edu/clairetrevorschoolofthearts/departmentofdrama/drama_ba/#honorsprogramstext). Questions about the program should be directed to Cynthia Bassham, Head of Undergraduate Acting, at (949) 824-4903 or at cbassham@uci.edu.

Honors in Design. 
This program provides the opportunity for Drama majors to concentrate on the study and practice of scenery, costume, lighting, or sound design. Students study basic and advanced design techniques, participate in classes with graduate design students, serve as assistant designers to a graduate student or faculty designer, and possibly design a production at UCI. Admission to this program is competitive, and students may be admitted as early as the winter quarter of the sophomore year, but no later than the fall quarter of their senior year. There are course & GPA perquisites for this program. For more detailed information, consult the Drama section of the UCI General Catalogue or the website (http://catalogue.uci.edu/clairetrevorschoolofthearts/departmentofdrama/drama_ba/#honorsprogramstext). Questions about the program should be directed to Michael Hooker, Head of Design in Drama, at mhooker@uci.edu.

Honors in Directing. 
The Honors in Directing Program provides the opportunity for Drama majors to concentrate on the study and practice of stage direction. Honors in Directing students study basic and advanced directing techniques, participate in the Directing Laboratory with graduate Directing students, take a course in directorial themes and/or the history of directing, and direct two full plays in the Drama Workshop series. Honors students also have the opportunity to receive credit as the assistant director of a faculty directed or Stage 2 department show; as a production internship with a professional theatre company; or for production/direction responsibility with the Playwright’s Workshop. There are prerequisite courses for this program. For more detailed information, consult the Drama section of the UCI General Catalogue or the website (http://catalogue.uci.edu/clairetrevorschoolofthearts/departmentofdrama/drama_ba/#honorsprogramstext). Questions about the program should be directed to Keith Fowler, Head of Directing, at kfowler@uci.edu.

Honors in Dramatic Literature, History, and Theory. 
This program is designed to challenge superior students beyond the scholarly requirements of the Drama major. It provides them with the opportunity to advance their knowledge of dramatic literature, history, and theory and to further develop their writing, analytical, and research skills. An additional purpose of the program is to better prepare students for graduate study not only in dramatic literature, history, and theory, but in fields ranging from the humanities to the social sciences and law. Admission to this program is competitive and students must apply prior to the spring quarter of their junior year. There are course and GPA prerequisites, and interested students should consult the Drama section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website (http://catalogue.uci.edu/clairetrevorschoolofthearts/departmentofdrama/drama_ba/#honorsprogramstext) for more information. Questions should be directed to Stephen Barker, Head of Honors Program / Doctoral Studies in Drama, at barker@uci.edu.

Honors in Music and Culture. 
This program is designed to challenge superior students in the B.A. program beyond the academic requirements of the Music major. It provides them with the opportunity to advance their knowledge in the scholarly fields of music while developing their writing, analytical, and research skills. Admission to this program is competitive, and there are GPA and other eligibility requirements. For more detailed information, consult the Music section of the UCI General Catalogue. Questions should be directed to Cloud Hsueh at scloudhs@uci.edu.

Honors in Music Theatre. 
Successful graduating seniors in both the B.A. in Drama and the B.F.A. in Music Theatre can achieve Honors in Music Theatre. An overall GPA of 3.2 or higher is required along with an overall GPA of 3.4 in all music theatre courses. B.F.A. students need to complete all course work listed under “Departmental Requirements for the B.F.A. Major” while B.A. students need to complete the following additional music theatre courses: Drama 142, 143ABC, 145 (x3), 146, 147, 148ABC, 149, 176, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, plus two ballet classes, one tap class, and one jazz class in Dance. At graduation, successful Honors students receive the “Honors in Music Theatre” notation on their transcripts. For more information, consult the Drama section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at http://catalogue.uci.edu/clairetrevorschoolofthearts/departmentofdrama/drama_ba/#honorsprogramstext. Questions should be directed to Dennis Castellano (drcastel@uci.edu).

Honors in Stage Management.
The Honors in Stage Management Program provides the opportunity for Drama majors to concentrate on the study and practice of stage management. Honors students study basic and advanced stage management techniques, participate in classes with graduate stage managers, work as assistant stage managers with the graduate stage managers on graduate student-directed and faculty-directed productions, and stage manage a graduate student-directed or faculty-directed production at UCI. Admission to this program is competitive, and students may be admitted as early as the winter quarter of their sophomore year but no later than spring quarter of their junior year. There are course & GPA prerequisites, and students are encouraged to consult the Drama section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at http://catalogue.uci.edu/clairetrevorschoolofthearts/departmentofdrama/drama_ba/#honorsprogramstext. Questions should be directed to Don Hill, Head of Stage Management in Drama, at (949) 824-3882 or donhill@uci.edu.

Honors in Studio Art. 
This program gives qualifying students a more rigorous course of study in contemporary art practices, thus challenging superior students beyond the scholarly requirements demanded of the Studio Art major. This program is designed to further develop students’ critical, analytical, research, and technical skills. It is particularly suited to those wishing to go on to graduate school and/or exhibition careers. This program is competitive, and there are GPA and course prerequisites. For more detailed information, consult the Studio Art section of the UCI General Catalogue. Questions should be directed to Cloud Hsueh at scloudhs@uci.edu.

This program provides an opportunity for outstanding majors in the School to pursue advanced work in independent research via participation in the Excellence in Biological Sciences Research Program and earn Honors in Biological Sciences upon graduation. Admission to the program is based on an application to participate in the Excellence in Biological Sciences Research program filed during the middle part of the fall quarter of the year of the student’s participation. Additionally, students must have a minimum overall 3.5 grade point average and a minimum 3.5 grade point average in all required Biological Sciences courses. The Program requires a minimum of three quarters enrollment in research (Biological Sciences 199) including successful completion of Biological Sciences H195 and the Excellence in Biological Sciences Research program. For further information, consult the Biological Sciences section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at https://undergraduate.bio.uci.edu/honors-and-scholarships/. The faculty contact is Michael Leon (mleon@uci.edu; 824-5318) and the staff contact is Carolyn Willmann (ccwillma@uci.edu; 824-5318).

This program is designed to allow undergraduates to pursue independent research and write an honors thesis on topics of their choice under the guidance of Chicano/ Latino Studies faculty members. Research projects typically involve a combination of library research, data analysis, and field research. The program is open to all senior Chicano/Latino Studies majors with a grade point average of 3.3 or better overall, with 3.5 in Chicano/Latino Studies courses (at least five courses). Prior completion of or concurrent enrollment in Chicano/Latino Studies 101 (Research in the Latino Community) is strongly recommended. Successful completion of the Honors Program and the honors thesis satisfies the upper-division writing requirement. For more information, students should consult the Chicano/Latino Studies section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website at https://www.chicanolatinostudies.uci.edu/undergrad/honors. Questions should be directed to Ramón Muñoz at rrmunoz@uci.edu or 824-6803.

This is a two-year, upper-division program designed to challenge superior students from all fields by providing special opportunities for interdisciplinary work within an intellectually charged framework. Small seminars and the opportunity for independent research are some of the advantages offered by the program. Continuing Humanities students with a minimum 3.5 GPA and newly admitted transfer students with a minimum 3.8 GPA will be invited to apply to the Humanities Honors Program in Spring quarter prior to the junior year. For more information, consult the Humanities section of the UCI General Catalogue, or their website (www.humanities.uci.edu/undergrad/opportunities/honors.php). Questions should be directed to Vinayak Chaturvedi (vinayak@uci.edu; 824-5132).

This program provides selected upper-division students an opportunity to carry out a research project under the direction of a faculty member in the School. Eligible students participate in the ICS Honors Seminar (ICS H197), which provides an introduction to the range of current faculty research. Each student then affiliates with an ICS faculty advisor who agrees to supervise a minimum of two quarters of research. The participating student prepares a final written research report and submits a copy for review to both the faculty advisor and the Honors Program advisor. Successful completion of the Honors Program earns the student a certificate and medal from the School. Further, a notation of successful completion is added to the student’s transcript. For more information, interested students should consult the ICS section of the UCI General Catalogue or the website, at https://www.ics.uci.edu/ugrad/honors/program-overview.php. Questions should be directed to the Student Affairs office at (949) 824-5156.

Honors Program in Chemistry.
This is a research-based program offered to selected Chemistry majors during their final year. Applicants to the program must have completed their junior year with a grade point average of at least 3.3 overall and in their Chemistry courses. They must also have demonstrated the potential of carrying out research of honors quality, as judged by the Chemistry faculty member who will supervise their research. Students in this program enroll in Honors Research in Chemistry (Chemistry H180A-B-C) throughout their senior year and submit a formal thesis late in the spring quarter. They also enroll in the Honors Seminar in Chemistry (Chemistry H181), in which they receive instruction in scientific writing and present a formal research seminar. Successful completion of Chemistry H181 satisfies the UCI upper-division writing requirement. For more information, consult the Chemistry section of the UCI General Catalogue. The faculty contact is A. J. Shaka (ajshaka@uci.edu, 824-5266), and the staff contact is Don Williams (dawillia@uci.edu; 824-6508).

Honors Program in Earth System Science.
This program provides an opportunity for selected students majoring in Earth and Environmental Sciences or Earth and Environmental Studies to pursue research with faculty in the Department during their senior year. Admission to the program is based on an application normally submitted by the sixth week of the spring quarter during the junior year. For more information, consult the Earth System Science section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at https://www.ess.uci.edu/undergrad/ess/honors. Questions should be directed to Keith Moore, Undergraduate Faculty Advisor, at jkmoore@uci.edu.

Honors Program in Mathematics.
This program is open to junior and senior Mathematics majors who meet the minimum academic qualifications of a 3.5 GPA in Mathematics courses and a 3.2 GPA overall. Students should apply for the Honors Program no later than the fall quarter of their senior year. For more information, consult the Mathematics section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at https://www.math.uci.edu/math-majors/math-honors-program. Questions should be directed to Sarah Eichhorn, Honors Advisor, at sfrey@math.uci.edu.

Honors Program in Physics.
This program provides an opportunity for selected students majoring in Physics to pursue advanced work in one of the research areas of the Department. Admission to the program is based on an application normally submitted by the sixth week of the spring quarter of the junior year. Applicants must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.4 and a grade point average in physics courses of 3.5 or better. In selecting students for the program, the Department considers evidence of ability and interest in research. For more information, consult the Physics section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at https://www.physics.uci.edu. Questions should be directed to Prof. Manoj Kaplinghat at mkapling@uci.edu.

1. Admission to this program is based on formal invitation and an application submitted by the prospective student in the spring quarter of the junior year. In order to be considered, a student must have satisfied the following requirements: completion of all lower-division Social Ecology courses required for the major; completion of at least five upper-division Social Ecology courses with a grade point average of at least 3.5 in these courses; and achievement of an overall grade point average at UCI of at least 3.2. Acceptance into the program is based upon evidence of the student’s ability, interest in research, and proposed thesis project. Interested students should consult the School of Social Ecology section of the UCI General Catalogue or the website, at http://students.soceco.uci.edu/pages/social-ecology-honors-program, for more information. Questions should be directed to Lisa Punelli (lpunelli@uci.edu); 824-6863).

Honors Program in Anthropology.
This program is designed for undergraduates to pursue field research and write an honors thesis on topics of their choice under the guidance of Department of Anthropology faculty members. Research projects typically involve a combination of library research, exploratory ethnographic interviews, participant observation, and systematic data collection and analysis. The program is open to all senior Anthropology majors with a grade point average of 3.3 or better overall, with 3.5 in Anthropology courses (at least five courses). For more information, consult the Anthropology section of the UCI General Catalogue, or at https://www.anthropology.uci.edu/undergrad/honors. Questions should be directed to the Social Sciences Undergraduate Student Affairs Office (1201 SBSG).

Honors Program in Economics.
Undergraduates in any of the three Economics majors may complete this program. Entry into the program requires a 3.4 GPA or better in upper-division Economics courses and an overall GPA of 3.2 or better. Undergraduates hoping to enter the program must apply no later than the spring quarter of their junior year. Students in this program must complete an honors thesis and the two-quarter Economics Honors Colloquium (Economics H190A-B; satisfies the upper-division writing requirement). For more information, consult the Economics section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at https://www.economics.uci.edu/undergrad/honors. Questions should be directed to Michael McBride (mcbride@uci.edu; 824-5788). 

Honors Program in International Studies.
This program allows International Studies majors to engage in research leading to the completion of an honors thesis. The topic for the honors thesis is selected by the student, in consultation with a faculty advisor, and should reflect a theme consistent with the student’s module in the International Studies major. The Honors Program is open to all junior and senior International Studies majors with an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.5 GPA in the major who have taken all three core courses (International Studies 11, 13, and 14) and at least two upper-division courses that count toward the International Studies major. Successful completion of a written senior thesis in the International Studies 190 course satisfies the upper-division writing general education requirement. For more information, consult the International Studies section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at https://www.globalstudies.uci.edu/undergrad/honors. Questions should be directed to Mike Roesler (mroesler@uci.edu; 824-8687) or Ramon Munoz (rrmunoz@uci.edu; 824-6804).

Honors Program in Political Science.
This program is open to all junior and senior Political Science majors who meet the minimum academic qualifications (3.5 GPA in Political Science courses and 3.2 GPA overall). In addition to satisfying the requirements for the major in Political Science, Honors Program participants must complete additional course work as specified. For more information, consult the Political Science section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at https://www.polisci.uci.edu/undergrad/honors/overview.php. Questions should be directed to Carole Uhlaner (cuhlaner@uci.edu; 824-7329) or Wayne Sandholtz (wayne.sandholtz@uci.edu; 824-5726).

Honors Program in Psychology (Cognitive Science).
This two-year program is open to selected juniors who are majoring in Psychology. It provides thorough grounding in research methods and culminates with the opportunity for basic research in some area of psychology under faculty supervision. The program has a limited number of openings and seeks to attract outstanding students who plan to undertake postgraduate education in some field of the psychological sciences. Admission to the program is based on a formal application that is normally submitted in the spring quarter of the sophomore year. Applicants should have an overall grade point average of at least 3.2 and a grade point average of at least 3.5 in psychology courses. For more information, consult the Cognitive Science section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at https://www.cogsci.uci.edu/undergraduate/honors. Questions should be directed to Virginia Richards at v.m.richards@uci.edu.

Honors Program in Social Science.
Students in this program engage in research leading to the completion of an honors thesis. The topic is selected in consultation with a faculty advisor. The program is composed of three four-unit courses designed to teach students research methods and background. The program is open to all junior and senior Social Science majors who have an overall GPA of 3.0 and a 3.30 GPA in at least five Social Science Courses. For more information, consult the Social Sciences major section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at www.socsci.uci.edu/ssarc/sshonors/. Questions should be directed to Jeanett Castellanos (castellj@uci.edu; 824-6298).

Honors Program in Sociology.
This program is open to outstanding Sociology majors during their junior or senior year. To gain admission to the program, potential Honors students normally take Sociology courses in theory (Sociology 120), methods (Sociology 110), statistics (Sociology 10A-B-C or equivalent) and at least two Sociology core courses. Students who receive an average grade of 3.5 or better in these courses are eligible for the Honors program. In addition, Honors students should have a grade point average of 3.2 or better in all courses taken at UCI. For more information, consult the Sociology section of the UCI General Catalogue, or the website, at https://www.sociology.uci.edu/undergrad/honors.php. Questions should be directed to the Social Sciences Undergraduate Counseling Office (1201 SBSG).

School of Biological Sciences.
Students enrolled in Undergraduate Research (Biological Sciences 199) and who meet the eligibility requirements have an opportunity to present the results of their research endeavors to peers and faculty. Those students awarded with “Excellence in Research” will then have their papers published in the School’s online Journal of Undergraduate Research in the Biological Sciences. The program begins each fall with a series of instructional workshops. Further information is available online at https://undergraduate.bio.uci.edu/undergraduate-excellence-in-research-program/. Interested students may also talk with Susan Schafer (slschafe@uci.edu), the academic counselor in the Bio Sci Student Affairs Office who coordinates this program.

Department of Cognitive Sciences.
Psychology majors doing independent research under Psychology 199 may be eligible for participation in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Participants can obtain research funding and have the opportunity to have their research papers published in a peer-reviewed student journal or to present them at a special conference of UCI student research. Guidelines for the program are available from the Department of Cognitive Sciences office.

Psychology and Social Behavior.
High-achieving students majoring in Psychology and Social Behavior can earn Excellence in Research in Psychology and Social Behavior by participating in a two-component program consisting of faculty-supervised research and courses in methodology and statistics. There are GPA and pre-requisite course requirements. Students apply at the end of their senior year after completion of all requirements. Further information is available in the PSB section of the UCI General Catalogue.