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    Sep 30, 2024  
American University Catalog 2024-2025 
    
American University Catalog 2024-2025

Honors in Biology


Available through the Department of Biology , College of Arts and Sciences , the Honors in Biology program offers Biology majors the opportunity to participate in a series of advanced courses designed to foster an immersion in supervised individual research in biology. Research experience may include an in-depth literature review, hands-on laboratory work and/or fieldwork depending on the interests of the student and the availability of faculty supervisors.  

Admission to the Program


Students apply for admission in the spring of sophomore year or the fall of their junior year.

Students seeking admission to the program must submit an unofficial transcript (showing a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and a major GPA of 3.50 or higher) and a written proposal. The written proposal should describe one’s grades, a brief explanation of the field of biology being pursued (including proposed research project and faculty mentor for the capstone research project), and how the Honors in Biology program will facilitate goals beyond undergraduate education. Acceptance by a faculty mentor is required for admission.

Program Requirements


  • 9 credit hours of Honors in Biology coursework
    • 3 credit hours in advanced research methods
    • 6 credit hours in an honors capstone project, original research that is mentored by a faculty member in the department
  • Minimum 3.50 major GPA in Biology (BS)  

Course Requirements


Advanced Research Methods (3 credit hours)


Complete 3 credit hours from the following with grade of B- or better: