Upper Division Honors Programs
The step-by-step process for achieving Upper Division Honors (as part of the Distinctions Track)
Notated on the transcript, Upper Division Honors Distinction supports and includes the honors capstone. Programs vary by major, so consult individual departments for requirements beyond those listed below.
- Review the baseline requirements for Upper Division Honors. In majors without established
Upper Division programs, the baseline requirements should be followed.
Baseline Requirements:- 12 hours of 3000/4000-level honors coursework, including 3-6 hours of capstone
- Senior honors capstone
- 3.5 cumulative and LSU GPA
- 3.5 GPA in Upper Division program courses
- Learn the requirements of your Upper Division Program.
Several major departments have designated specific programs of study for their Upper Division programs beyond the baseline requirements for Upper Division Honors Distinction. Synopses of such departmental program requirements are listed below. Full requirements may be obtained directly from departments. In majors without established Upper Division programs, the baseline requirements should be followed. - Declare your plans with the Honors College by filling out the Upper Division declaration form in the OH!Portal.
- Schedule an appointment with the Upper Division Academic Counselor if you have questions.
Appointments to meet with the Ogden Honors College academic counseling staff should be made through the Navigate app (iOS/Apple/Android) or through the Navigate website.
Established UDH Programs by Department
In majors without established Upper Division programs, the baseline requirements (above) should be followed.
Hours Required
15
Course Requirements
- 9 hours of upper level courses in Accounting with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
15
Course Requirements
- AGEC 4203, AGEC 4273, and AGEC 4433; each taken with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- Two courses with Honors Options from the following list: ANSC 4005, 4009, 4018, 4040, 4043, 4045, 4050, 4051, 4060, 4080, 4094
- Plus, 6 hours of capstone or project: two semesters of HNRS 4000
Additional Rules
To achieve distinction in the Upper Division Honors Program in Animal Sciences a student
must:
- Maintain a grade point average of 3.33 or higher during the Junior and Senior years
- Complete at least 12 semester hours of Honors Options in courses from the list above, to include 6 hours of capstone or project, with a grade no lower than 'B' in each
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Department Contact
Dr. Cathleen Williams
Hours Required
12-18
Course Requirements
- Two upper level courses in Architecture with Honors Option or Honors ARCH Studio courses
- Two semesters of capstone or project (may incorporate senior portfolio)
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
15
Course Requirements
Biological Engineering
- BE 3320, BE 3340, & BE 4303 with Honors Options
- BE 4390 & BE 4392 with Honors Options can serve as capstone or project
*HNRS 4000 may be utilized for capstone or project instead but student must seek approval from department prior to enrollment
Capstone Courses Available
- BE 4390
- BE 4392
- HNRS 4000
For students who entered the upper division program prior to academic year 2024-25, the following rules apply:
Hours Required
16-18
Course Requirements
Biological Sciences
- BIOL 4087 or BIOL 4093 with Honors Option
- One course each from three of the four areas of approved Biological Sciences electives with Honors Option
- Minimum of 4 credit hours (2 credit hours each semester) of BIOL 3999 with Honors Option for capstone or project
Biochemistry
- BIOL 4093, BIOL 4094, and BIOL 4001 with Honors Option
- One course chosen from either Group 1 or 2 approved Biochemistry electives with Honors Option
- Minimum of 4 credit hours (2 credit hours each semester) of BIOL 3999 with Honors Option for capstone or project
Microbiology
- BIOL 4087 or BIOL 4093 with Honors Option
- BIOL 4110 or BIOL 4246 with Honors Option
- Two additional courses chosen from approved Microbiology electives with Honors Option
- Minimum of 4 credit hours (2 credit hours each semester) of BIOL 3999 with Honors Option for capstone or project
Additional Rules
The student must apply for the Honors Program at or before the beginning of the Junior
year. A written application to the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies must
be approved by the Department of Biological Sciences, the College of Science Dean's
Office, and the Honors College. The student must complete all core and required courses
in the major with a grade of 'B' or better in each course.
Capstone Courses Available
- BIOL 3999
- HNRS 4000
For students entering the upper division program in academic year 2024-25 or later, the following rules apply:
Hours Required
16-18
Course Requirements
Biological Sciences
- At least 12 hours of upper level BIOL courses (4 courses) with Honors Option
- Of the 4 BIOL courses chosen to Honors Option, three of the four areas of approved
Biological Sciences group electives must be represented:
- Group 1 molecular and cellular biology
- Group 2 physiology, anatomy, and development
- Group 3 ecology and evolution
- Group 4 organismal diversity
- Minimum of 4 credit hours of BIOL 3999 with Honors Option for capstone or project (typically 2 credit hours in each of the final two semesters), or two semesters of HNRS 4000
Biochemistry
- BIOL 4093 and BIOL 4094 with Honors Option
- Two upper level courses chosen from Group 1 or 2 approved Biochemistry electives with Honors Option, or one approved Biochemistry elective plus BIOL 4001 with Honors Option
- Minimum of 4 credit hours of BIOL 3999 with Honors Option for capstone or project (typically 2 credit hours in each of the final two semesters), or two semesters of HNRS 4000
Microbiology
- BIOL 4110 or BIOL 4246 with Honors Option
- Three additional upper level courses chosen from approved Microbiology electives or other Microbiology major required upper level courses with Honors Option, this can include BIOL 4110 or BIOL 4246 if both chosen to Honors Option.
- Minimum of 4 credit hours of BIOL 3999 with Honors Option for capstone or project (typically 2 credit hours in each of the final two semesters), or two semesters of HNRS 4000
Additional Rules
The student must apply for the Upper Division Honors Program during the first semester of the Junior year. A written Upper Division Honors application and contract must be first approved and signed by the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Biological Sciences, then by the College of Science Dean's Office, and finally approved by the Honors College. In addition to Honors College requirements, all courses listed on the application form that are to be taken with Honors Option must be completed with a grade of B minus or higher for a student to earn Upper Division Honors through the Department of Biological Sciences.
Capstone Courses Available
- BIOL 3999
- HNRS 4000 (with approval)
Hours Required
15
Course Requirements
- Three courses with Honors Option from FIN 3716, ISDS 3115, MGT 3200, MGT 3830, or MKT 3401
- Two Semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- 6 hours of upper level courses in Chemistry with Honors Option
- 6 hours of CHEM 3900 with Honors Option for capstone or project
Capstone Courses Available
- CHEM 3900
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- 6 hours with Honors Option from the following list:
- CMST 3012, 3060, 3106, 3107, 4012, 4100, 4107, 4113, 4114, 4118, 4160, 4165, 4166, or 4167
- Plus, 6 hours of capstone or project: two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- Two CSC 4000-level courses with Honors Option
- CSC 3991 & CSC 3992 (departmental honors capstone or project courses)
Additional Rules
The student must take a minimum of 12 semester hours of honors courses at the 3000
level or above with a 3.5 overall average for these courses, with no grade lower than
a 'B'. These 12 hours must be courses in the Department of Computer Science.
Capstone Courses Available
- CSC 3991
- CSC 3992
Hours Required
15
Course Requirements
- 9 hours of upper level courses in Economics with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- 6 hours of upper level courses in major with Honors option
AND - EITHER Design Capstone or Project, which includes Senior design with Honors Option & HNRS 4000, as extension of one semester design project OR Scholarly Paper Capstone Format, which includes two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- Senior Design
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- Successfully complete 6 hours of Honors or Honors Option coursework at the 3000 or 4000 level, at least 3 hours of which must be at the 4000 level
- Complete two semesters of capstone or project, either ENGL 3000 or HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- ENGL 3000
- HNRS 4000
Department Contact
Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of English
Hours Required
15
Course Requirements
- 9 hours of upper level courses in Finance with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
Latin
- 6 hours of 4000 level or above in Latin with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Additional Rules
The student must complete at least 12 semester hours of Latin courses at the 4000
level or above and attain a 3.5 overall average for these courses with no grade lower
than a 'B'. These courses must be taken as honors courses under the Honors Option
Contract.
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- 6 hours of 3000-4000 level GEOL coursework with Honors Option
- 6 hours of Capstone coursework using GEOL 3909 with Honors Option (3 hours) and GEOL 3999 with Honors Option (3 hours)
Additional Rules
The student must apply for admission into the Upper Division Program through the Department
of Geology & Geophysics and the College of Science.
Capstone Courses Available
- GEOL 3909
- GEOL 3999
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- HIST 3117, 3118, or 3119 with Honors Option
- Three hours of upper level courses in History with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
Child & Family Studies
- 6 hours with Honors Option from the following list: HUEC 3055, 3056, 3060, 3065, 4051, 4062, 4064, or 4065
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Nutritional Sciences
- 6 hours with Honors Option from the following list: HUEC 3115, 3116, 4110, 4111, or 4114
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Textiles, Apparel, & Merchandising
- 6 hours with Honors Option from the following list"
HUEC 3032, 3034, 4044, 4071 (or 4072), 4034, or 4046 - Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
15
Course Requirements
- 9 hours of upper level courses in Information Systems & Decisions Sciences with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Additional Rules
To receive the Upper Division Honors Distinction, students must complete the program
of study as described above, fulfill all requirements of the Honors College, and complete
all degree requirements of the E.J. Ourso College of Business Administration with
an overall LSU grade point average of at least 3.5, with no grade lower than a 'B'
in any honors course.
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
- Additional Rules
Students should first declare their interest in graduating with Honors to the Associate Director of International Studies and to the Upper Division Academic Counselor in the Honors College, the latter via the Upper Division Declaration Form. - Students should commence the Upper Division Honors program in their junior year and should be at least three semesters away from graduation.
- Students should have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to begin the Honors program. They are also required to maintain a GPA of 3.5 while enrolled in the program.
- At least 12 hours of Honors work must be conducted in International Studies. 6-9 hours should be in upper-level International Studies courses taken as Honors Options and 3-6 in capstone or project hours. International Studies courses are defined as classes that count towards the regional and global concentrations. Some of these courses may not be listed on the student's degree audit but may be considered as International Studies classes following a degree substitution approved by an International Studies Counselor.
- Students will have the option of completing their capstone or project in one or two semesters. The length of the capstone or project will be determined in consultation with the capstone or project director.
- The capstone or project (or "examining") committee will consist of three faculty members. A minimum of two members of the committee, including the capstone or project director, should be from International Studies. The capstone or project committee should also include faculty from at least two different departments.
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12-24
Course Requirements
- Two upper level courses in Landscape Architecture with Honors option
- Capstone or project may incorporate Senior Design project with Honors Option
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
Art History
- 6 hours of upper level courses in Art History with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Additional Rules
Students completing their sophomore year with a GPA of 3.5 or above are eligible for
admission to the Upper Division Honors Program in Art History. Students should apply
for admission at or before the beginning of the junior year to the Art History Coordinator.
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- Take 6 hours from MGT 3320, 3513, or 4620 with the Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
15
Course Requirements
- 9 hours of upper level courses in Marketing with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- 6 hours of upper level courses in Mass Communication (Honors course or any with Honors Option)
- MC 4999 with honors option and HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- MC 4999
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- 6 hours of Mathematics 3000-4000 level coursework with Honors Option with a "B" or better.
- Any 7000 level Mathematics course can substitute for one of the above (no Honors Option is necessary for a 7000 level course)
- 6 hours of capstone or project with a Pass ("P") grade: Either MATH 4999 with Honors Option & HNRS 4000 or two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- MATH 4999
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- 6 hours of upper level courses in Mechanical Engineering with Honors Option AND
- EITHER Design Project Capstone formats, which includes 2 semesters of Senior Design with Honors Option (this choice may require additional Honors Options to ensure the 12 hour minimum required) OR Research Paper Capstone Format, which includes two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- Senior Design
- ME 3903
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- Two courses from the following list with Honors Option or others by approval of the
College of Music and Dramatic Arts: MUS 4502, MUS 4710, MUS 4712, 4718, MUS 4720,
MUS 4725, MUS 4730, MUS 4745, MUS 4749 or MUS 4759.
- Students can Honors Option a Primary Applied Music Course with the approval of their Vocal/Instrumental Professor. When selecting this option 3 hours of enrollment is required. Primary Applied Music Courses include MUS 313*, MUS 314*, and MUS 315* (MUS 3130- MUS 3154).
- MUS 4749 Seminar in Music History may be taken for a maximum of 6 semesters hours of credit as topics vary.
- Pianists can select from MUS 4757, MUS 4758 & MUS 4763, MUS 4764. These courses are offered in alternating years; please consult the Music department for course availability.
- 6 hours of MUS 3000 or MUS 3997 for capstone or project.
Additional Rules
- Students are responsible for completing the “Honors Option” paperwork with the Honors College.
- Students may inquire about adding Honors Option to other courses within the department, as well as taking graduate level Musicology/Theory courses in place of the required courses listed. Contact Amy Smith (asmith10@lsu.edu) and Dr. Inessa Bazayev (ibazayev@lsu.edu) for further information.
- MUS 3000 is an independent study with an academic faculty member in Theory, Musicology, or Music Education.
- MUS 3997 is an independent study with an applied faculty member (any member of the performance faculty).
Capstone Courses Available
- MUS 3000
- MUS 3997
Department Contact
- Dr. Inessa Bazayev
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
Philosophy
- 6 hours of courses in Philosophy with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
Astronomy
- 6 hours of 4000-level courses in major with Honors Option
- ASTR 4997 with Honors Option & HNRS 4000 for capstone or project
Physics
- 6 hours of 4000-level courses in major with Honors Option
- PHYS 4991 and PHYS 4399 with Honors Option OR PHYS 4398 and PHYS 4399 with Honors Option
Capstone Courses Available
- ASTR 4997
- HNRS 4000
- PHYS 4398
- PHYS 4399 (final semester only)
- PHYS 4991
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
Environmental Management Systems
- 6 hours of upper level courses in Environmental Management Systems with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Additional Rules
In order to graduate with Upper Division Honors in Environmental Management Systems
the student would have to maintain a 3.33 GPA after sophomore year, both overall and
in EMS courses, with no grade lower than a 'B' in any honors course after sophomore
year.
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- 6 hours of Honors credit in Political Science at the 3000-4000 level, either through
Honors Option or Honors POLI courses.
- Students will be expected to enroll in POLI 3809, which will be offered at least once each academic year.
- 6 hours of POLI 4998 and POLI 4999 for capstone or project.
Additional Rules
To enter the Honors Program a student must have a 3.3 average overall and a 3.5 average
in political science. Honors students' course distribution within political science
will follow the established course distribution for regular departmental majors except
that the distribution must include at least one course in each of the four fields
of the discipline.
Capstone Courses Available
- POLI 4998
- POLI 4999
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- Fall semester Junior year: HNRS 3000
- Spring semester Junior year: PSYC 4999 with Honors Option
- Fall semester Senior year: HNRS 4000 for capstone or project
- Spring semester Senior year: HNRS 4000 for capstone or project
Additional Rules
During the second semester of the Sophomore year, the student will apply for admission
to the Psychology Honors Program.
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Department Contact
Professor Janet McDonald
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- An honors seminar in academic discipline or an Honors Option in academic discipline
- Secondary methods course with Honors option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000
Hours Required
12
Course Requirements
- 6 hours of upper level courses in Sociology with Honors Option
- Two semesters of HNRS 4000
Additional Rules
After the Sophomore year, achieve a GPA of at least a 3.5 on both LSU and overall
academic work, with no grade lower than a 'B' in any honors course.
Capstone Courses Available
- HNRS 4000