Department of Geology, University at Buffalo

DEPARTMENT HONORS PROGRAM

The Department of Geology offers an honors program in addition to the usual academic honors offered to students upon graduation by the university (baccalaureate degree with distinction, high distinction, etc.). Receipt of an honors degree requires maintenance of a 3.25 or higher GPA, completion of a senior thesis and two additional 400 level Geology courses as well as the usual departmental degree requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIRMENTS

Candidates accepted into the honors program must have at least junior status in the BS program, a minimum GPA of 3.25 in geology courses (including the Chemistry, Math, and Physics courses required for the major), and have completed at least three courses in geology.

APPLY IN WRITING

To the Undergraduate Committee, list the courses that you have taken within the major and grades received. You should have made preliminary contact with a potential senior thesis advisor and indicate in your letter to whom you have spoken and whether the faculty member has agreed to supervise your research. You will receive written notification of your acceptance into the Honors Program.

REQUIREMENTS

Maintenance of a 3.25 GPA , completion of two additional 400 level Geology , and final approval of a senior thesis , as well as the usual departmental degree requirements.

SENIOR THESIS

Select an advisor based on your interests in geology and the faculty member's willingness to advise you.
Register for three (3) hours of independent study with your advisor during each of two consecutive semesters your senior year.
Meet with your advisor and develop a research plan early in the first semester.
Submit a copy of this plan to the Director of Undergraduate Studies early in the first semester.
Meet with your advisor frequently for guidance
Submit a written scholarly thesis to your advisor that describes the rationale of the study, the procedures you followed, and the results obtained. The thesis will be accompanied by a discussion of the significance of the work.
Receive the approval of your advisor based on the quality of the research and the quality of the presentation, along with the degree to which it meets the original plan of study.
Submit a copy of the approved senior thesis to the Director of Undergraduate Studies prior to the end of final exams in the semester of your graduation.

Undergraduate Course Availability

Undergraduate Course Catalog