Undergraduate Honors in Sociology
Undergraduate Honors in Sociology
Contact:
Jim Gibson
Undergraduate Advisor
Ballantine 749
855-4233
jadgibso@indiana.edu
1. How is your honors degree program administered? Is there a specific
person who acts as coordinator? Is there a faculty committee?
The undergraduate advisor is the initial contact for a student interested in
the honors program. The undergraduate advisor will connect the student with
the faculty member directing the honors thesis course. The student will
enroll in a year long honors thesis course. In the context of this course,
the students will have contact with the honors thesis director, each other,
and other resources on campus.
2. What are the requirements for admission into your honors program? How
are students recruited for your program? May students recommend themselves?
Sociology majors with a 3.5 GPA in sociology and a 3.3 cumulative GPA are
eligible. Students may recommend themselves.
3. How does a student graduate with honors from your department?
To graduate with honors in sociology, a student must complete the major with
a 3.5 GPA in sociology and a 3.3 cumulative GPA, and must complete an honors
thesis in the context of a year long honors thesis course. Students earn a
total of 9 credits for completing the thesis.
4. What courses do students take as juniors and before in order to
prepare for working on the senior project? How are these honors seminars and
courses typically conducted? What are the usual requirements in such
courses?
Students are encouraged to take methods and statistics during their junior
year, and courses related to their desired honors thesis topic. Students
must enroll in the year long thesis course during their senior year. They
will research and write the thesis in this structured, supportive context.
5. What is the nature of the senior project and what are the requirements
for completing it?
It is an empirical research paper based on a research study or a critical
analysis of existing research. It can range in length from 20-30 pages and
is completed while taking an honors seminar where analysis and writing
issues can be discussed with other honors students and a faculty member. An
informed presentation of the honors project is one of the requirements of
this seminar.
6. Are there departmental resources available to support internships or
research projects related to the senior project?
The Sociological Research Practicum is funded by the department. Please
contact the Undergraduate Advisor for more information.
7. How might the work required for an honors degree be particularly
beneficial in future endeavors?
Students participating in the honors program in sociology will benefit in a
number of ways. They will:
• Produce an excellent piece of writing, useful for graduate school
admissions in any field
• Secure a detailed letter of recommendation for graduate school from a
faculty member who had an opportunity to carefully observe their strengths
• Develop skills and build resume for career in marketing, program
development, advocacy, counseling, etc.
• Satisfy curiosity—students may choose to research any aspect of society
• Discover if graduate school is the right choice
• Get more integrated into the research side of the sociology department
• Practice presentation skills
• Get intensive feedback on writing
• Participate in an intimate seminar
