Required:

• a GPA of at least 3.3 in the five core courses (GEOL 201, 202, 302, 305, and 315) plus two 400-level courses
  
  
• a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  
  
• satisfactory passing of at least two semesters each of calculus, chemistry and physics or biology
  
  
• satisfactory completion of an honors thesis
  
  
  The honors thesis emanates from a research project that begins during the summer prior to the senior year and continues through the fall and spring terms of the senior year. (Students should sign up for GEOL 440 in the fall and GEOL 441 in the spring) The thesis will be read by a faculty committee consisting of the honors advisor and two other departmental faculty members chosen by the student in consultation with the honors advisor. Alternate arrangements may be made in consultation with the Geology Department chair. The written thesis must be completed and orally defended by the end of the spring semester. Following the defense, and with the recommendation of the thesis committee, the geology faculty will vote to pass with honors or not pass. The department may also award high honors for exceptional projects demonstrating unusually high levels of achievement.