The Biology Honors Program is an independent study program for advanced, highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in research in the biological sciences. Students in the program do an independent research project working closely with a faculty mentor, typically for two years. In addition to the intensive research experience, students in the program engage in structured research-related activities including developing and writing a thesis proposal, writing an honors thesis, and defending the thesis. Students also participate in a weekly seminar designed to support and extend their involvement in the program and foster community.

The Biology Honors Program is a departmental honors program run through the Department of Biology. The Biology Honors Program involves primarily juniors and seniors, and occasionally sophomores. Mentors must be faculty in the Department of Biology or close affiliates of the Biology Department, such as adjunct faculty of the department or a biologist working closely with Biology faculty. Co-mentoring of a student by one Biology faculty and one faculty outside of the department is also possible. The Biology Honors Program is distinct from the University Honors Program, and earlier participation in the University Honors Program is not a prerequisite. 

Because the activities of the program largely mirror the activities of graduate school, students considering Master's or Ph.D. programs are likely to find the experiences of participating in the program particularly valuable. 

To learn more about the Biology Honors Program, please visit the following pages:

Please contact Alexa Bely, Director of Biology Honors Program, with any questions.