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The Psychology Department Honors Program Fall 05 Schedule
Under the directorship of Dr. Bea Grosh,
"This program provides an opportunity for superior and highly motivated students to pursue a specialized area of interest intensively and independently. Upon successful completion of the program, students are recognized for their achievements at graduation with the designation of Departmental Honors on their diploma and University record" (MU Undergraduate Catalog).
Within the Department of Psychology, the study of a specialized area of interest entails the development and completion of a thesis/research project. The entire program spans a period of approximately three semesters, which involve a sequence of courses designed to guide the student (HNRS 490, HNRS 489, and HNRS 499).
During each semester, participating students are allotted one session to present their research topics in order to receive feedback from other students and attending faculty. The purpose of the first semester is to explore the individual's topic of interest. The first semester is also a time when the student chooses a mentor with whom he or she wishes to work, and the submission of an initial draft of the research proposal is required. The grade for this first semester is determined by Dr. Grosh for each participant.
The second semester is spent gathering materials and refining the proposal. During this, and each semester, the student presents his/her written thesis introduction and proposal to the group for discussion. The mentor, in consultation with Dr. Grosh, determines the grade for this semester of work.
The final semester in the sequence is spent collecting and analyzing the data. The student's final presentation to the seminar group is the completed thesis. The student's mentor will consult with Dr. Grosh and assign the final grade. Completed theses and projects are presented to the departmental committee for oral defense and examination. Successfully defended theses with grades of A or B are presented to the Honors and Awards committee for review. The titles of successfully defended and reviewed are published in the "commencement program." In addition, some students may have the opportunity to travel with their mentors to professional meetings, such as Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) or American Psychological Association (APA), in order to present their work. In addition, opportunities exist to present at the Millersville University Undergraduate Research Conference during the Spring semester.
To be eligible for the Departmental Honors Program in Psychology, students must have a cumulative QPA of at least 3.35 and the endorsement of Psychology faculty members. If interested, contact Dr. Grosh for more information early in your junior year, as it will take at least three semesters to complete the process.
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