Honors In HDFS

The HDFS Honors program provides you with opportunities to enrich your undergraduate experience and challenge yourself at a higher level while learning about the science of being human!

  • Deepen your understanding of the challenges facing individuals and families in discussions with other high-achieving, motivated students, and outstanding research faculty.
  • Learn about the science of being human and contribute to the body of HDFS knowledge while answering your own questions by conducting research.
  • Earn departmental honors while applying your HDFS Honors credit toward the MU Honors Certificate.
  • Build your resume and prepare for a graduate program in HDFS or related field.
  • Increase your chances of earning scholarships.
  • Be recognized at graduation for your high level of scholarship and dedication with the HDFS Honors cord.
  • Forge meaningful connections with faculty and peers that will last a lifetime!

ADMISSION TO THE HDFS HONORS PROGRAM:

HDFS majors who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the Honors in HDFS program:

  • Be enrolled in an MU HDFS on-campus emphasis area (HDFS online degree program students are not Honors program eligible due to the nature of the required research collaborations with HDFS faculty).
  • Successfully complete a minimum of 12 credit hours at MU
  • Successfully completed ENGLISH 1000, HDFS 1600, HDFS 2200, and HDFS 2400/WI. Note: HDFS 2200 may be taken concurrently with HDFS 3960H, if not completed prior to the semester the student begins the HDFS Honors sequence.
  • Have established an HDFS Major GPA of 3.7 (includes grades obtained from any UM System School).
  • Have earned less than 75 total credit hours (includes transfer and AP/IB credits) OR not be beyond the fifth semester of your college career. The HDFS Honors sequence takes 3 semesters to complete.

HDFS HONORS COURSE SEQUENCE

SPRING SEMESTER: HDFS 3960H – Readings in Human Development and Family Science – Honors (3 cr.)  Readings in recent research; critical discussions; introduction to academic writing. Co-/Prerequisite: H_D_FS 2200; Instructor’s consent. H_D_FS Honors Eligibility Required. Graded A-F only.

FALL SEMESTER: HDFS 3090H – Research Experience in Human Development and Family Science – Honors (3 cr.) Student training and engagement in research with a HDFS faculty member. Students learn about the research process and methods, and develop research skills (e.g., data collection, entry, coding, analysis) through hands-on work with HDFS faculty research mentor. H_D_FS 2200, and H_D_FS 3960H; instructor’s consent. HDFS Honors eligibility required. Graded A-F only.

SPRING SEMESTER: HDFS 4090H – Advanced Research in Human Development and Family Science – Honors (3 cr.)  Advanced training and engagement in research with a HDFS faculty member. Student develops research skills (e.g., data collection, entry, coding, analysis) and works semi-independently on own research project. Course culminates with the student presenting their research in a public forum. Prerequisites: H_D_FS 2200, H_D_FS 3960H, and H_D_FS 3090H; instructor’s consent; H_D_FS Honors eligibility required. Graded A-F only.

APPLICATION AND POLICIES INFORMATION

HONORS IN HDFS APPLICATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR HDFS ACADEMIC ADVISOR OR:

Dr. Rachel Thibodeau-Nielsen

HDFS Honors Coordinator
003C Gwynn Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-1276
thibodeaur@missouri.edu