School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) students have two opportunities for graduating with honors. The first option, school honors, is based on completion of a Senior Honors Thesis. The second option, University honors, is based on cumulative GPA at the time of graduation. Students who graduate with either honor will be noted at the school's convocation (graduation), and a notation will appear on the student's transcript.
Students may also apply to become members of Mortar Board, a national honorary society for college seniors, or Phi Delta Kappa, a national education honorary.
Senior Honors Thesis Program
Juniors who maintain records of academic distinction may qualify for our Honors Program. Students who attain an overall cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above will be invited to information sessions held winter quarter. Students who decide to proceed with the program must successfully complete SESP 391 (Advanced Research Methods) which is offered in the spring quarter. Students who successfully complete the honors program earn three credits of SESP 398, which may be applied toward their major requirements.
The Honors Program is an opportunity for students to engage in a mentor relationship with a faculty member. The Honors Program involves participation in a yearlong, independent research project, with one-on-one advisement from a faculty sponsor. The project is somewhat similar to, yet more intensive than, a Research Apprenticeship or Independent Study. Students maintain much more autonomy, pursuing their own project rather than aiding in the work of a faculty member. The project usually involves a literature review and the collection and analysis of data using sound qualitative and/or quantitative research methods. The project will involve a rigorous review process and participation in a poster session at the end of the year.
For more information about the program, contact the administrative coordinator, in the SESP Student Affairs Office.
View the 2005-2006 honors thesis abstracts.
View the 2006-2007 honors thesis abstracts.
View the 2007-2008 honors thesis abstracts.
University Honors
University Honors are bestowed on students based on their cumulative GPA in comparison with their peers within the school from which the student is graduating.
Students in the top 3% of the graduating class earn the distinction "Summa Cum Laude."
Students in the next 4% - 8% of the graduating class earn the distinction "Magna Cum Laude."
Students in the next 9% - 16% of the graduating class earn the distinction "Cum Laude."
Mortar Board
Students may become involved in Mortar Board, a national honorary society for college seniors founded in 1918. Applications are due during the winter quarter of the student's Junior year. The GPA requirement varies each year, but is generally in the range of 3.5 - 3.6. For more information at Northwestern, contact Mary Goldenberg at m-goldenberg@northwestern.edu.
Phi Delta Kappa
Phi Delta Kappa is an international association for professional educators. The organization's mission is to promote quality education as essential to the development and maintenance of a democratic way of life by providing innovative programs, relevant research, visionary leadership and dedicated service. The president of the Northwestern Phi Delta Kappa chapter is Kathy Kaduk. Ms. Kaduk may be reached at 630/961-0629.