Honors

Exemplary MSE students may graduate with Distinction and/or Honors by fulfilling a number of objectives. 

Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) Honors Program

To graduate with Honors in MSE, a student must satisfy the following:

  1. Be awarded Latin Honors (see note on Latin Honors below)
  2. Meet the following criteria for the MSE Honors Program:
    1. Complete the two-semester Senior Thesis course sequence (MSE 4050 and 4060) with a grade of A- or above in each semester (6 credits).
    2. Complete additional courses, beyond those used to satisfy the minimum graduate requirements for MSE, totaling at least 7 credits.  These additional courses must be technical in nature drawn from engineering, mathematics, chemistry, or physics at the 4000 or graduate level.  Consult in advance with the MSE Director of Undergraduate Studies to determine acceptable courses at the 3000 level or from other fields.
    3. Prior to the deadline of October 15 for May and August candidates, and March 15 for January candidates, send an email to the MSE Undergraduate Coordinator with a request to be considered for Honors and with a list of all courses the candidate intends to apply towards the Honors program.

Latin Honors:

Beginning with the December 2026 conferral date, Latin Honors is based solely on the final cumulative undergraduate GPA with respect to the undergraduate GPA within Engineering. The Latin Honors categories include: Summa Cum Laude (top 5%), Magna Cum Laude (next 10%), and Cum Laude (next 15%). Prior to the December 2026 conferral date, information on Latin Honors can be found under “Graduating with Distinction” in the appropriate issue of the Engineering Handbook.