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Public Health & Society

Senior Honors Program

Public Health & Society Senior Honors Program

The Public Health & Society Senior Honors Program is a two-semester experience designed for motivated students who want to conduct independent, in-depth research on a topic they care about. Through close faculty mentorship, structured coursework, and hands-on research, students design, execute, and present an original thesis that contributes to conversations about health, culture, and society.

The Public Health & Society Senior Honors Program spans two semesters:

  • PUBHLTHSOC 4998 - Senior Honors Thesis I: Research Development and Prospectus
  • PUBHLTHSOC 4999 - Senior Honors Thesis II: Research Execution and Defense

In the Public Health & Society Senior Honors Program, you will move from an initial idea to a fully developed research project. By the end of the program, you will have completed an original thesis, presented your work publicly, and developed skills that will prepare you for graduate school, research roles, or policy, non-profit, and health-related careers.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for students who:

  • Are curious about complex public health issues
  • Enjoy independent, self-directed work
  • Want to deepen their research and writing skills
  • Are considering graduate school or research-oriented careers
  • Have a strong academic record and are ready for an intellectual challenge

How to Apply

Interested in conducting independent research and writing an honors thesis? Submit your application by the last Friday in January of your junior year to participate in the program during your senior year.

Apply Here

How the Program Works

Eligibility Requirements

To apply you must:

  • Plan to have senior standing during the program
  • Be a Public Health & Society Major or Second Major
  • Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.65
  • Have completed PUBHLTHSOC 3100 - Research Methods in Understanding Health and Society

To continue from fall to spring:

  • Complete PUBHLTHSOC 4998 with minimum B-
  • Receive approval of your thesis prospectus

In the Fall semester, you will build the foundation of your thesis by:

  • Identifying a focused research question
  • Conducting a comprehensive literature review
  • Designing a research methodology
  • Addressing ethical considerations (IRB/NHSR if applicable)
  • Producing a formal research prospectus
  • Drafting Chapter 1 (Introduction) of your thesis

You will also select a faculty advisor, form a thesis committee, and develop a detailed plan for spring research.

In the Spring semester, you will bring your project to life:

  • Collect and analyze data
  • Write results and discussion chapters
  • Complete a substantial thesis (50-80 pages)
  • Present your work at an undergraduate research symposium

The course provides structured support through writing workshops, peer review, and faculty feedback as you work independently on your research.

Awarding of Latin Honors

Arts & Sciences students who successfully complete the Public Health & Society Senior Honors Program and maintain a GPA of 3.65 throughout their entire education at WashU will be awarded the BA cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude according to the following proportions set by Arts & Sciences:

  • The top 15% in overall GPA of the full cohort of Latin Honors candidates who complete the necessary requirements of their major departments will graduate summa cum laude
  • The next 35% magna cum laude
  • The next 50% cum laude

Resources

Student Handbook

The Student Handbook is your guide to getting started

Major Requirements

Curriculum requirements and APEX information

Explore Careers

There is a lot you can do within the field of public health

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If you're excited by the idea of conducting your own research and making a meaningful contribution to public health, the Public Health & Society Senior Honors Program is a powerful opportunity to challenge yourself and grow.

Questions?