At the Institute for Society and Genetics, we recognize the incredible achievements of our students through two honors distinctions. Students that complete a degree in Human Biology and Society will be able to graduate with Departmental Honors or Highest Departmental Honors. The criteria needed to graduate with Departmental Honors and Highest Departmental Honors are explained below.
Departmental Honors
Human Biology and Society (B.A. & B.S.) majors can qualify for departmental honors based on these criteria. Students must:
• Have a cumulative major upper division GPA of 3.50 or above. Students can find their current major upper division courses GPA on the Degree Audit Report System (DARS) under the section titled “Major Upper Division Courses GPA Requirement.”
• Take each course in the major for a letter grade.
Highest Departmental Honors
Human Biology and Society (B.A. & B.S.) majors can qualify for highest departmental honors based on these criteria. Students must:
• Meet all of the Department Honors qualifications (see above); AND
• Successfully complete one of the following with a letter grade of A or better: (a) Soc Gen 108; (b) 4.0 units of Soc Gen 197; OR (c) 4.0 units of Soc Gen 199.
Please note that a final paper or project is expected upon completion of Soc Gen 197 or 199. This means that taking 2 quarters of 2.0 units of Soc Gen 197/199 do not meet this requirement. 197/199 contract courses from other departments also do not meet this requirement.
College and Latin Honors
College Honors and Latin Honors are different distinctions students can qualify for depending on cumulative GPA upon graduation or by completing a certain set of requirements. Students interested in learning more about Latin Honors can click this link. Students interested in learning more about the requirements to graduate with College Honors can look here for more details.