The Anthropology Honors Program

In 1986, the Department of Anthropology instituted an Honors Program to provide its best undergraduate students with an opportunity to engage in a significant research experience. Outstanding seniors may participate in a year-long course of study and original research in an area of their choosing, under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Many Honors graduates have had opportunities to present research at professional meetings, and even publish papers from their study. Above all, the Honors experience is a valuable preparation for graduate work in Anthropology or other disciplines. The Honors Program provides outstanding Anthropology undergraduates with advanced, individually-tailored training in areas of anthropology that especially interest them. The program, operating independently of the major itself, involves a year of coursework and research culminating in the writing of an Honors thesis. During the Fall semester of the senior year, all Honors students meet in an Honors Seminar, during which many department faculty visit to discuss their various areas of expertise, and students learn research and presentation skills. In the Spring semester, Honors students work with their individual faculty mentors to write their theses. The Honors experience culminates with the Honors Colloquium, initiated in 2003. Students present their research to department students, faculty, and friends, listen to a distinguished visiting speaker, and celebrate their special achievements at a reception.

Students in the second semester of their junior year, prior to completion of 90 semester hours, may apply to the program, which begins in the Fall semester. Admission is competitive, based on the student’s overall academic record (minimal 3.25 GPA overall, 3.5 GPA for USF anthropology course work), a 2-page personal statement indicating research interests, and a letter of recommendation from a member of the Department of Anthropology. Successful completion of the program requires maintenance of a 3.25 overall and a 3.5 in the major, completion of ANT 4932 (4) (Honors Seminar) with a grade of “B” or better, completion of ANT 4970 (3) (Honors Thesis) with a grade of “S,” and completion of all other requirements for graduation. See the Anthropology Department Undergraduate Advisor for further information and application forms.