Honors in Psychology

What is an honors thesis?

Outstanding students in psychology and other closely related disciplines are encouraged to participate in the Honors Program in Psychology. The program requires preparation of a thesis, which consists of a proposal, data analysis and interpretation, and an oral defense of the final thesis. Successful completion of the program results in graduation with "Distinguished Independent Work in Psychology."

Why complete an honors thesis?

  • Allows you to conduct original research in an area that interests you, and helps you gain in depth knowledge of that research area.  
  • It demonstrates to a graduate or professional program, or future employer that you are capable of planning and completing a project.
  • It provides tangible proof of your motivation and dedication to the field of psychological research.
  • It shows that you understand all dimensions of the scientific endeavor.
  • It provides you with an opportunity to work closely with a faculty mentor.

Requirements for Honors in Psychology

Grade Point Average (GPA)  

You must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 for all psychology courses attempted, and an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Course Requirements

  • PSYC 498 - Honors Preparation (2 credits)
    This seminar is offered for those students engaged in independent research under direct supervision of a faculty member and meet the requirements for pursuing an honors thesis in psychological science or neuroscience. Students will develop critical thinking, writing skills and research abilities culminating in an honors thesis proposal. During the class, you will work with the professor, peers and laboratory mentor with the ultimate goal of crafting a scientifically interesting, concise and rigorous proposal.
  • PSYC 397 Independent Study in Research (2 credits)
    This will be taken at the same time as PSYC 498, and will be the start of your research under the mentorship of your faculty member. 
  • PSYC 499 - Honors Research and Thesis (4 credits)

    This is taken during your final semester as your continue your research and written thesis. In some rare cases, where students have started their thesis research before their senior year, PSYC 499 can be divided between the last two semester at 2 credits each. 

    If you choose not to complete your honors thesis, or fail to meet requirements, you will be dropped from PSYC 499 and switch to PSYC 397 (see the Psychology Academic Advisor for assistance in this process).

For additional information on the requirements of the Honors Program in Psychology, see the .

Appeals of requirements: Any student who fails to meet one or more of the requirements listed above may petition the Undergraduate Committee for a waiver. Non-majors wishing to obtain Honors in Psychology must petition the Undergraduate Committee. Appeals for a waiver of requirements must be filed by the first Monday in November for students who plan to complete their thesis in the spring semester.

Procedures and Suggested Timeline

  • Junior Year (Spring)
    • Find a faculty mentor and discuss ideas for your honors project
  • First Semester of Senior Year
    • Formation of Honors Committee: You will form an Honors Committee consisting of a faculty supervisor in the Psychology Department who will serve as chair of the committee, and at least one other faculty member in the Psychology Department. The additional member(s) should be chosen in conjunction with the faculty supervisor.
    • Course Registrations: Submit the . Once approval is received from your  faculty supervisor, you will automatically be registered for PSYC 498 (2 credits) and PSYC 397 (2 credits).  If your supervising faculty feel that the you can prepare your thesis without the prep course, then your will be enrolled in PSYC 397 for 4 credits. 
    • Thesis Proposal: You must submit a written research proposal to the members of your Honors Committee no later than one week prior to the last day of classes. Approval of the proposal by the Honors Committee is necessary for you to be accepted into the Honors Program. Once your proposal is approved, submit a PDF copy using the no later than the last day of classes. Once approval of the proposal is received, you will automatically be registered for PSYC 499 -Honors Research & Thesis (4 credits) for the following semester.
  • Second Semester of Senior Year
    • Course Registrations: As long as approval has been received, you should automatically be register for PSYC 499 for 4 credits.
    • Thesis Defense: You must submit a written thesis to the Honors Committee at least one week prior to the scheduled defense. You will defend the thesis orally before the committee and any other interested parties no later than the Friday prior to the last week of classes.
    • Final Certification: Determination of your receipt of the "Distinguished Independent Work in Psychology" designation will reside solely with your Honors Committee. Assuming you have met all the requirements listed above, such certification must be conveyed via email to psyadvis@binghamton.edu by the your faculty sponsor so that timely notification of the award can be sent to the dean's office and to the registrar. A PDF copy of the final thesis must be submitted to the Undergraduate Psychology Advising Office to certify completion of the Honors Program using the .