What Is the Difference Between Academic Honors, Departmental Distinction, and College Honors?

Academic Honors, Departmental Distinction, and College Honors are honorific designations awarded at graduation. Although these designations have overlapping requirements, they are awarded independently of each other.

Academic Honors is awarded by the Academic Dean strictly on the basis of grade point average. You will graduate with Academic Honors if your final cumulative grade point average is 3.5 or higher. If it is between 3.50 and 3.69, you will graduate cum laude; if it is between 3.70 and 3.84, you will graduate magna cum laude; and if it is 3.85 or above, you will graduate summa cum laude.

Departmental Distinction is awarded to students who have met certain requirements in their department. You will graduate with Departmental Distinction if your final cumulative grade point average is 3.25 or higher, your final departmental grade point average is 3.5 or higher, and you successfully complete a Senior Honors Project in the same department. Be sure to check with your advisor or Department Chair for any additional departmental requirements.

College Honors is awarded to students who have successfully fulfilled the requirements of the Honors Program. You will graduate with College Honors if you satisfy the Honors course requirements, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher , and successfully complete a Senior Honors Project.

Please note that the same Senior Honors Project may count toward both Departmental Distinction and College Honors.