Departmental Honors
An undergraduate research, creative, or applied project is perhaps the most challenging and rewarding academic experience a student can undertake at the undergraduate level. Whether you are a future teacher, have an interest in graduate school, or want to pursue creative or professional writing, you can tailor your experience to fit your academic interests and goals.
Distinct from the University Honors Program, Departmental Honors in English allows you to develop your knowledge, skills, and passion in any area related to English Studies. Students have completed research papers they have presented at conferences, creative works such as a chapbook of poetry or part of a short story collection, and projects such as materials meant to be used by businesses and in health care settings.
Departmental honors requires a cumulative and English GPA of 3.5 or higher after the completion of at least 6 credit hours of English courses beyond first-year composition classes. As part of the honors program, you will take one English honors course, one graduate level course at the 5000-level, and a two semester independent study sequence in which you work one-on-one with a faculty mentor to develop your project. Typically students count these courses as part of their English degree, so adding Departmental Honors will not delay your time to degree.
Graduates of the program receive the “with Honors” designation on their transcript.
For more information, contact our Departmental Honors Coordinator, Dr. Melissa Caldwell (mcaldwell@eiu.edu, Coleman 3050).