Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Wilkes Honors College Curriculum
Link to Course Descriptions for the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Faculty:
Perry, J., Dean; Hill, T., Associate Dean; Baima, N.; Cañete Quesada, C.; Carvelli, L.; Chandrasekhar, C.; Chaves Fonnegra, A.; Corr, R.; Duboué, E.; Dragojlovic, V.; Earles, J.; Ely, C.; Fewkes, J.; Fily, Y.; Harrawood, M.; Jakee, K.; Kennedy, A.; Kowalko, J.; Lanning, K.; Lemeh, D.; Luria, R.; Macleod, G.; McGovern, W.; Mincer, T.; Moore, J.; Njambi, W. N.; Nur-tegin, K.; O'Brien, W.; Ruest, A.; Smith, E.; Steigenga, T.; Strain, C.; Tille-Victorica, N.; Trivigno, C.; Tunick, M.; Vázquez, M.; Vernon, L.; Wetterer, J.; White, D. R., Emeritus.
The Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences and Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biological and Physical Sciences. The B.A. and B.S. programs are designed to develop the qualities of a free and responsible citizen, one who can reason clearly, read critically and analytically, argue persuasively in speech and in writing and contribute to society in fundamental and innovative ways. In addition, the B.S. programs provide students a deep understanding of the natural sciences and mathematics. By providing intellectual training in the liberal arts and sciences and biological and physical sciences and specialized study in an area of concentration, the College prepares its students for graduate and professional schools, such as law and medicine, as well as for careers in business, science, education and government. The College offers a number of minors as well and students may pursue a certificate in Undergraduate Research presented by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI).
The Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College also offers combined degree programs (B.A. or B.S./M.S.) in partnership with the College of Engineering and Computer Science and with the Department of History (B.A./M.A.) in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. Details of all combined degree programs are shown below.
Wilkes Honors College Curriculum
The College's curriculum has two primary components, the
honors core
and the
concentration
. For the honors core, students take distribution courses in the liberal arts and sciences aimed at sharpening written and oral communication and enhancing problem-solving skills. In addition, all students develop competency in a foreign language by taking a series of interdisciplinary seminars and team-taught courses, as well as distribution electives in the humanities and social sciences. The students also experience non-classroom learning in the form of either an internship or study abroad.
In addition to completing the honors core, students choose a concentration. Concentrations may be traditional choices, such as biology, English, mathematics, philosophy, political science and psychology or interdisciplinary programs, such as environmental studies, international studies, medical humanities or law and society. In addition, students are able to design their own individual concentration in consultation with faculty. The concentration may have a specialized focus, such as Bioinformatics, or it may combine related disciplines, such as philosophy, politics and economics. As part of the concentration, students synthesize their skills and knowledge into senior projects or theses. Students may concentrate in more than one area by fulfilling the requirements of each concentration. Depending on the area of concentration, students will receive either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences or a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Biological and Physical Sciences. It is possible to minor in some areas. Refer to the Minors heading appearing later in this Honors College section.
Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students who transfer to Florida Atlantic University must complete both the Honors College core/graduation requirements and requirements for their concentration(s) (see links above). Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the
Transition Guides
.
All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.
The Honors Core
Note:
Students who entered FAU prior to fall 2015 are subject to a different set of core requirements, which are listed
online
.
All students must successfully complete 120 credits to graduate. Of these, at least 36 credits are in the Honors Core. The Honors Core provides a broad-based education in the liberal arts and sciences through courses that emphasize critical thinking and writing skills. These courses introduce students to ways of thinking analytically about science, politics, history, ethics, culture, visual images and literature. Some courses serve as introductions to a specific discipline. Others approach problems and themes in ways that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. In addition, students fulfill other graduation requirements: they write an honors thesis, develop competency in a foreign language, study abroad or complete an internship and finish coursework in their concentration.
Core Requirements
Writing (
ENC 1101, three additional
WAC-designated courses
and submission of a writing portfolio)
One of the most important skills a student acquires is the ability to communicate effectively. Clear writing is inseparable from clear and coherent thinking. Honors College courses are writing intensive and provide guidance in researching, composing, editing and revising papers. Students do substantial writing in different disciplines and in formats as diverse as essays, research papers, lab reports and debate briefs. A senior Honors thesis or the written component of a senior Honors project interweaves the research, analytical and writing skills acquired in the first three years.
As part of the Honors College’s writing-intensive curriculum, students must take four Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) courses. WAC courses are discipline-based courses students may use to satisfy other core or concentration requirements. They are designated as WAC because they provide special attention to the writing and revision process. In most cases the Honors Thesis will count as two WAC courses. WAC courses satisfy the State's Gordon Rule requirement. ENC 1101 is taken as one of the four WAC courses.
Students also submit a writing portfolio, which is a mid-career assessment of their writing at the end of their sophomore year, conducted by a committee of faculty. The writing portfolio consists of the student's Forum paper (which the Dean's office keeps on file) and at least one essay submitted to the Dean's office. This essay must meet the following four requirements:
- It was written in the first or second year at the Honors College;
- It should be a scholarly essay that demonstrates the student's ability to incorporate evidence from secondary sources and/or analyze a primary text;
- It should include the professor's comments, if possible; and
- It should be at least five pages in length.
Mathematics
and Quantitative Reasoning
(6-8 credits, two courses)
One goal of the honors core is to help foster mathematical literacy. Mathematics is the language of science and technology and, increasingly, of the social sciences. By virtue of its precision, mathematics allows a clear understanding of the world and our place within it. Indeed, important health and environmental issues (acid rain, water management, global warming) cannot be understood without mathematical literacy. By taking two courses in mathematics, students sharpen their critical thinking skills, learning to distinguish evidence from anecdote and causality from correlation. At least one course must be from the
list of core courses
designated Group A and the second course may be from Group A or Group B. Math courses also satisfy the State's Gordon Rule computational requirement.
Natural Sciences (6-8 credits, two courses)
By taking two courses in two distinct disciplines within the natural sciences, students will gain an appreciation and understanding of the natural world as well as our place in it. At least one of these courses will include a laboratory section that will give students hands-on experience and allow them to understand the meaning of science in both theory and practice. At least one course must be from the
list of core courses
designated Group A.
Social and Behavioral Analysis (6 credits, two courses)
The courses in social and behavioral analysis familiarize students with different approaches to the study of individual behavior and social institutions and introduce them to some of the concepts and methods of the social sciences. The courses aim at an understanding of the reciprocal relations among people, societies, and institutions and encourage students to think critically and systematically about how these societies and institutions can best be arranged. At least one course must be from the list of core courses designated Group A and the second course must be from Group B in the
list of core courses.
Humanities (6 credits, two courses)
Courses in the humanities serve several purposes. Some courses explore questions such as, “what is the life worth living?” or “what is the basis for distinguishing knowledge from belief?” Some courses emphasize how these questions have been approached throughout history, others focus on how different cultures have addressed these questions and some grapple with these questions without regard to their historical or cultural context. Courses in literature are intended to develop students’ ability to appreciate and understand literature by looking at texts in their historical and cultural contexts or examining themes, approaches and generic conventions across time. Courses in the arts are intended to develop students’ ability to create and appreciate the arts in all of their forms, to enhance sensitivity to artistic expression and to increase familiarity with theories central to these forms. Courses may be structured historically, culturally or thematically. At least one course must be from the
list of core courses designated Group A and at least one must be from Group B (online).
Global Citizenship (6-7 credits, two courses)
Societies are increasingly diverse and interconnected with other societies around the world and impacted by technological advances. To be responsible and effective citizens in this world, we must understand the forces that shape our society and our environment and be equipped to think critically about the consequences of these forces in our lives. To this end, students take two courses from two distinct groups from among the three groups of "Environmental Studies," "International Studies" and "Ethics and Global Values." These courses may not be double-counted with other core or graduation requirements. Approved courses in the three categories are identified in the
list of core courses
.
Additional Humanities or Social and Behavior Analysis Course (3 credits)
Students take an additional course in the humanities or social sciences in a different discipline than the discipline of courses used to satisfy the Core Humanities and Social and Behavior Analysis requirements. A list of distinct disciplinary prefixes is available at the end of the
list of core courses
.
Other Graduation Requirements
Foreign Language (8 credits, two courses)
By learning a foreign language, a student gains access to other cultures and worlds and to other ways of thinking. As this is an important objective of the Honors College, students are expected to take two sequential courses in a single language or demonstrate proficiency equivalent to two basic courses. Students are encouraged to incorporate the study of language in a study abroad experience.
Honors College Forum (1 credit, one course)
Students meet the faculty and other leading scholars and artists who present their work and introduce the leading ideas and controversies in their areas of expertise. Students take this weekly 1-credit seminar in the fall semester.
Interdisciplinary Critical Inquiry Seminars (5-9 credits, three courses)
The architecture of a traditional college curriculum, in which knowledge is broken into highly specific fields, disciplines and departments, gives the misleading impression that human experience and human problems are neatly compartmentalized and that there is a clear division of labor, each discipline being assigned its own subset of problems and experiences. To help convey to students that knowledge and experience are not so easily partitioned and that many problems benefit from multiple perspectives, the Honors College curriculum includes a unique offering of 1- an d 3-credit, team-taught seminars devoted to interdisciplinary critical inquiry. Students must take three of these courses, at least one of which should be 3 credits. Team-taught courses may not be used to satisfy other core requirements, but may satisfy concentration requirements.
Experiential Learning Requirement
(Internship, minimum 3 credits; OR Study Abroad, minimum five weeks and 3 credits)
Life in the world beyond the campus provides students with invaluable experiences that complement their programs of study. The experiential learning requirement applies to all Honors College students (including transfer and international students). Students may fulfill the requirement through participation in a study abroad program (minimum of 3 credits and five-week stay) or through an internship (minimum of 3 credits, which requires 120 hours of unpaid or 180 hours of paid internship experience). All internships must be approved prior to student registration. Internship coursework is graded S/U.
Distribution Electives (6 credits, two courses)
Many students arrive at college unfamiliar with the specialized areas of study within the social sciences and humanities. Students have the opportunity to discover and explore these by taking two additional distribution electives. While these may not be courses that satisfy the Social and Behavioral Analysis and Humanities Core requirements, they may be courses from any two distinct disciplines, one within the social sciences and one within the humanities. These courses must be Wilkes Honors College courses taken at the Wilkes Honors College. They may not be courses taken to satisfy other core or graduation requirements or counted for a concentration, but they may be courses used to satisfy minor concentration requirements.
Consult the University Catalog for other graduation requirements. Note that Honors College students do not need to fulfill the General Education Program requirement because they fulfill the Honors College Core requirement instead.
The Concentrations
In addition to obtaining a breadth of knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences or biological and physical sciences through courses in the honors core, each student chooses an area of concentration. The purpose of the concentration is to allow students to obtain deep knowledge of a focused area of interest. Students may have more than one major concentration or a major concentration and one or more minors. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for the concentration, each student will complete a thesis or senior project. Students in the Wilkes Honors College have the opportunity to concentrate in most of the traditional disciplines and to design their own interdisciplinary course of study in consultation with the faculty. The Honors College offers different sets of concentrations based on the major and degree chosen. Details about concentration requirements and listings of course offerings and concentrations can be found here.
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Concentrations:
American Studies
Anthropology
Art (Transdisciplinary Visual Arts)
Biological Anthropology
Business
Economics
English Literature
Environmental Studies
History (Interdisciplinary)
Interdisciplinary Critical Theory
International Studies
Latin American Studies
Law and Society
Mathematical Sciences (Interdisciplinary)
Medical Humanities
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Spanish
Women's Studies
Writing
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Biological Anthropology Concentration
Psychology Concentration
Biological and Physical Sciences
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Concentrations:
Biological Chemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Data Analytics
Environmental Science
Marine Biology
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Physics
Biological and Physical Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Concentrations:
Biological Chemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Data Analytics
Environmental Science
Marine Biology
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Physics
Minors
Undergraduate Minors
The Honors College offers numerous minor concentrations. These require a minimum of 15 credits, including at least 9 credits at the upper level. Of the 15 credits, at least 12 must be earned from FAU. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in courses taken for the minor concentration. Minor concentrations are available in:
Concentrations:
Anthropology
Art
Chemistry
Data Science
Digital Game Development
Economics
English Literature
Environmental Studies
Ethics (Interdisciplinary)
French and Francophone Studies
History
Interdisciplinary Theory of Knowledge
Law and Society
Mathematics
Philosophy
Physics
Psychology
Spanish Literature
Visual Arts and Creative Writing
Women's Studies
Students may also minor in Business through coursework at the Honors College and the College of Business. Further information can be found here.
Undergraduate Research
undergraduate Certificate
(Minimum of 12 credits required)
To recognize undergraduate students' excellence in undergraduate research, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (OURI) has established the Undergraduate Research Certificate. Requirements for the Research Certificate include completion of 12 credits of research exposure, skill-building and intensive courses as well as dissemination of the outcomes of students' research and inquiry through a research presentation or exhibition.
Academic Pathways
The FAU Max Planck Honors Program (MPHP)
Established by the Jupiter Life Science Initiative, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and the Wilkes Honors College, working in partnership with the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, the MPHP is a Jupiter-specific honors program for undergraduates. The program provides participants with exclusive enrichment opportunities. Students who maintain all standards and fulfill all requirements of the MPHP receive a designation of “FAU Max Planck Honors” on their final transcript. For students pursuing the MPHP, 2 to 3 of the elective credits in their concentration are required MPHP courses: Introduction to Neuroscience Research (PSB 4003, 1 credit) and two distinct MPHP Enrichment courses (1 credit each) from the list in the
Interdisciplinary Programs
section of this catalog. A minimum grade of "B" in graded and "S" in non-graded courses must be achieved in these exclusive MPHP course options for the credits to count toward the requirements of the MPHP. Visit the MPHP website
to apply.
Business Pathway/M.B.A. Program
In addition to its concentration in Business, the Wilkes Honors College has an arrangement with the College of Business at FAU whereby students who have met all Honors College graduation requirements, maintained at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework and achieved a score of 500 or above on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are guaranteed admission into FAU's M.B.A. program. This guarantee is given only to students who have been full-time Wilkes Honors College students for a minimum of six semesters and who have completed the core and concentration in the Wilkes Honors College.
Education Pathway/M.Ed. Program
The Wilkes Honors College has an arrangement with the College of Education at FAU whereby students who have met all Honors College graduation requirements, maintained at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of coursework and achieved a score of 800 or above on the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) are guaranteed admission into FAU's M.Ed. Program in Curriculum and Instruction Plus Secondary Education Certification. This guarantee is given only to students who have been full-time Honors College students for a minimum of six semesters and who have completed the core and concentration in the Honors College.
Engineering Pathway
Students may take coursework at the Honors College for their first two years and then transfer seamlessly into the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students are thus able to take advantage of the Honors College's rich offerings and small class sizes in mathematics and the sciences, social sciences, and humanities during their first two years to satisfy core requirements before focusing on their upper-level engineering coursework in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students from the Honors College who meet the admission requirements of the College of Engineering and Computer Science are permitted to transfer automatically to that College. Honors Calculus, Honors General Chemistry and Honors Physics or their equivalents satisfy the Engineering requirements of Calculus, Chemistry and Physics for Engineers. The Wilkes Honors College, in partnership with the College of Engineering and Computer Science, also offers B.A. or B.S. degrees combined with M.S. degrees. For details
see below under Combined Programs.
Law School
Students considering careers in law will receive excellent preparation in the Honors College. Admission to law school requires strong analytical and writing skills, an outstanding academic record and a competitive LSAT (Law School Admission Test) score. The Honors College's emphasis on writing and critical thinking will provide students with the skills law school admissions committees seek. In addition, advisors will provide law school information and assist with the application process.
Medical Scholars Program
The Wilkes Medical Scholars Program is a highly selective, early admission program into the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine for students who have a strong desire to pursue a career in medicine. Students receive a B.A. or B.S. degree from the Wilkes Honors College in Jupiter and the M.D. degree from FAU’s College of Medicine in Boca Raton in seven or eight years.
Admission is open to highly qualified incoming Wilkes Honors College freshman students. Those accepted into the Wilkes Medical Scholars Program are offered conditional admission to the College of Medicine. Students must successfully complete the program requirements and achieve a minimum qualifying MCAT score. Further details are available online.
Minimum requirements for
entrance:
- Old SAT minimum score of 1450 (Critical Reading and Math combined) or a New SAT score of 1490 or a minimum ACT composite of 33;
- Weighted high school GPA of at least 4.30;
- Medical Pipelines Online Application, deadline January 15;
- Résumé and letter of recommendation from a counselor or high school teacher emailed to Medical Scholars Program;
- Recommended but not required—one or more of the following SAT Subject tests: Math Level 2, Biology, Chemistry, Literature;
- Highly recommended but not required—experience with patient interaction;
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident status; and
- Admitted to FAU and the Wilkes Honors College before January 15.
Medical School
Admission to medical school requires a strong academic record, a competitive MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) score and the completion of certain prerequisite courses. The Honors College offers all of these courses as well as assistance with MCAT preparation and with the application process.
Nursing Pathway
Honors College students interested in a fast track to a professional nursing career can take advantage of the Nursing Pathway . Successful students receive their Honors College B.A. or B.S. degree, and with an additional 12 months of study at FAU's nationally acclaimed College of Nursing, receive a B.S.N. as a second degree. Up to three Honors College students who meet all College of Nursing requirements are guaranteed an interview for this accelerated B.S.N. program each year. Students must be full-time Honors College students for at least six semesters to be eligible and must have their degree in hand prior to beginning the B.S.N. program.
Further information about pathways can be found
here.
Combined Programs
The Wilkes Honors College (WHC) offers the following combined programs in partnership with the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
The first ten are offered in partnership with the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The 11th program is offered in partnership with the Dorothy. F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. Following that combined program is a program offered jointly with the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science: The B.A. with Concentration in Mathematical Sciences or B.A./B.S. with Concentration in Mathematics to M.S. with Major in Mathematics.
Biological and Physical Sciences to
Artificial Intelligence
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
Biological and Physical Sciences to
Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
Concentrations:
Biology
Biological Chemistry
Chemistry
Marine Biology
Neuroscience
Physics
Biological and Physical Sciences to
Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
Biological and Physical Sciences to
Computer Science
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
Biological and Physical Sciences to
Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
Biological and Physical Sciences to
Information Technology and Management
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
Advanced Information Technology Concentration
Computer Science Data Analytics Concentration
Biological and Physical Sciences to
Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (b.s.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
Biological and Physical Sciences to
Ocean Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (b.s.) to
master of science (m.s)
combined program
Biological and Physical Sciences to Civil, Environmental or Geomatics Engineering to
Civil Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (b.s.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
Liberal Arts and Sciences to History
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) to
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Combined Program
History Concentration
Details for each combined program are listed below.
Biological and Physical Sciences to Artificial Intelligence
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (b.s.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
The B.A. or B.S. degree is completed at the WHC, and students then receive their bachelor's degree from WHC. Students complete their master's degree work in Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and receive their master's degree from that college.
Students may count up to 12 credits of approved graduate coursework (5000 level or higher) toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees as long as the combined program totals a minimum of 150 credits and:
- The student has met the minimum 120 credits for the bachelor's degree; and
- The student has taken a minimum of 30 credits in 5000 level or higher courses for the master's program.
Students must complete the prerequisite coursework for the master's degree while pursuing the bachelor's degree at the WHC. This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. Students complete the undergraduate program first. The combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Admission Requirements
The GRE is not required for this combined program. To be eligible for the combined program, bachelor's students in the WHC should:
- Have a cumulative FAU GPA of 3.25 or better at the end of their junior year. Note that the cumulative FAU GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained until the completion of the bachelor's degree at the WHC.
- Formally apply to the combined program, completing the admissions process at least one semester prior to the beginning of the M.S. portion of the program.
Students in the combined program must maintain continuous enrollment to remain in good standing. Students must also meet all the degree requirements of the graduate program they have chosen, including prerequisite courses.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for this combined, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences at the WHC (in the concentrations listed above) and any other requirements stipulated by the College and University; and
- Completion of all requirements in the M.S. in Artificial Intelligence program in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department with either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Biological and Physical Sciences to Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or bachlor of science (b.s.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
The B.A. or B.S. degree is completed at the WHC, and students then receive their bachelor's degree from WHC. Students complete their master's degree work in Biomedical Engineering in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and receive their master's degree from that college. This combined degree program for WHC students is open to those in the following concentrations:
Biology
Biological Chemistry
Chemistry
Marine Biology
Neuroscience
Physics
Students must complete the prerequisite coursework for the master's degree while pursuing the bachelor's degree at WHC. In addition to the prerequisite coursework listed with the M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, the following deficiency courses must be taken:
- Students in the Chemistry concentration must take BCH 3033/L, Honors Biochemistry/Lab, BSC 1010/L, Honors Biological Principles/Lab.
- Students in the Marine Biology, Neuroscience and Physics concentrations must take CHM 2210, CHM 2211, Honors Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 with labs and BCH 3033/L, Honors Biochemistry/Lab.
Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework
Students may count up to 12 credits of approved graduate coursework (5000 level or higher) toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees as long as the combined program totals a minimum of 150 credits and:
- The student has met the minimum 120 credits for the bachelor's degree; and
- The student has taken a minimum of 30 credits in 5000 level or higher courses for the master's degree.
This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. The undergraduate program is completed first, and the entire combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Admission Requirements
The GRE is not required for this combined program. To be eligible for the combined program, WHC bachelor's students should:
- Have a cumulative FAU GPA of 3.25 or better at the end of their junior year. Note that the cumulative FAU GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained until the completion of the bachelor's degree at the WHC.
- Formally apply to the combined program, completing the admissions process at least one semester prior to the beginning of the M.S. portion of the program.
Students in the combined program must maintain continuous enrollment to remain in good standing. Students must also meet all the degree requirements of the graduate program they have chosen, including prerequisite courses.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for this combined, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences at the WHC (in the concentrations listed above) and any other requirements stipulated by the College and University; and
- Completion of all requirements in the M.S. in Biomedical Engineering prog ram in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department with either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Biological and Physical Sciences to Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (b.s.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
The B.A. or B.S. degree is completed at the Wilkes Honors College (WHC), and students then receive their bachelor's degree from WHC. Students complete their master's degree work in Computer Engineering in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and receive their master's degree from that college.
The Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework and Admissions requirements detailed above must be satisfied by students interested in this combined program. Students must also complete the prerequisite coursework for the master's degree while pursuing the bachelor's degree at WHC as listed with the M.S. in Computer Engineering. This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. The undergraduate program is completed first, and the entire combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for the combined B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences to M.S. in Computer Engineering degree program, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences at the WHC and any other requirements stipulated by the College and University; and
- Completion of all requirements for the M.S. in Computer Engineering program in the Engineering and Computer Science Department with either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Biological and Physical Sciences to Computer Science
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (b.s.) to
master of science (m.s.)
combined program
The B.A. or B.S. degree is completed at the Wilkes Honors College (WHC), and students then receive their bachelor's degree from WHC. Students complete their master's degree work in Computer Science in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and receive their master's degree from that college.
The Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework and Admissions requirements detailed above must be satisfied by students interested in this combined program. Students must also complete the prerequisite coursework for the master's degree while pursuing the bachelor's degree at WHC as listed with the M.S. in Computer Science. This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. The undergraduate program is completed first, and the entire combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for the combined B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences to M.S. in Computer Science degree program, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences at the WHC, and any other requirements stipulated by the College and University; and
- Completion of all requirements for the M.S. in Computer Science program in the Engineering and Computer Science Department with either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Biological and Physical Sciences to Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
The B.A. or B.S. degree is completed at the Wilkes Honors College (WHC), and students then receive their bachelor's degree from WHC. Students complete their master's degree work in Electrical Engineering in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and receive their master's degree from that college.
The Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework and Admissions requirements detailed above must be satisfied by students interested in this combined program. Students must also complete the prerequisite coursework for the master's degree while pursuing the bachelor's degree at WHC as listed with the M.S. in Electrical Engineering. This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. The undergraduate program is completed first, and the entire combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for the combined B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences to M.S. in Electrical Engineering degree program, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences at the WHC, and any other requirements stipulated by the College and University; and
- Completion of all requirements for the M.S. in Electrical Engineering program in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department with either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Biological and Physical Sciences to Information Technology and Management
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
Advanced Information Technology Concentration
The B.A. or B.S. degree is completed at the Wilkes Honors College (WHC), and students then receive their bachelor's degree from WHC. Students complete their master's degree work in Information Technology and Management with Advanced Information Technology Concentration in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and receive their master's degree from that college.
The Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework and Admissions requirements detailed above must be satisfied by students interested in this combined program. Students must also complete the prerequisite coursework for the master's degree while pursuing the bachelor's degree at WHC as listed with the M.S. in Information Technology and Management, Advanced Information Technology Concentration. This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. The undergraduate program is completed first, and the entire combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for the combined B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences to M.S. in Information Technology and Management with Advanced Information Technology Concentration degree program, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences at the WHC, and any other requirements stipulated by the College and University; and
- Completion of all requirements for the M.S. in Information Technology and Management with Advanced Information Technology Concentration program in the Engineering and Computer Science Department with either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Biological and Physical Sciences to Information Technology and Management
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
Computer Science Data Analytics Concentration
The B.A. or B.S. degree is completed at the Wilkes Honors College (WHC), and students then receive their bachelor's degree from WHC. Students complete their master's degree work in Information Technology and Management with Computer Science Data Analytics Concentration in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and receive their master's degree from that college.
The Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework and Admissions requirements detailed above must be satisfied by students interested in this combined program. Students must also complete the prerequisite coursework for the master's degree while pursuing the bachelor's degree at WHC as listed with the M.S. in Information Technology and Management, Computer Science Data Analytics Concentration. This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. The undergraduate program is completed first, and the entire combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for the combined B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences t o M.S. in Information Technology and Management with Computer Science Data Analytics Concentration degree program, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A. or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences at the WHC, and any other requirements stipulated by the College and University; and
- Completion of all requirements for the M.S. in Information Technology and Management with Computer Science Data Analytics Concentration program in the Engineering and Computer Science Department with either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Biological and Physical Sciences to Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
The Wilkes Honors College (WHC) and the College of Engineering and Computer Science offer a combined Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biological and Physical Sciences to Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program. The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree will be completed and received from the WHC. Students complete the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering at FAU and will receive the master’s degree from that college.
Students may count up to 12 credits of approved graduate coursework (5000 level or higher) toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees. These graduate courses will replace the upper-level elective courses in the bachelor’s program. The combined program totals a minimum of 150 credits:
- The student must take a minimum 120 credits for the bachelor's degree; and
- The student must take a minimum of 30 credits in 5000 level or higher courses for the master's program.
Students must complete the prerequisite coursework for the master’s degree while pursuing the bachelor’s degree at the WHC. This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. Students complete the undergraduate program first. The combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Admission Requirements
The GRE is not required for this combined program. To be eligible for the combined program, the bachelor’s students in the WHC should:
- Have a cumulative FAU GPA of 3.25 or better at the end of their junior year. Note that the cumulative FAU GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained until the completion of the bachelor's degree in the WHC.
- Formally apply to the combined program, completing the admissions process at least one semester prior to the beginning of the M.S. portion of their program.
Students in the combined program must maintain continuous enrollment to remain in good standing. Students must also meet all the degree requirements of the graduate program they have chosen, including prerequisite courses.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for the combined B.A or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences to M.S. in Mechanical Engineering Degree Program, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of all requirements for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program in the OME department, using either the thesis or non-thesis option.
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences in the WHC and other requirements stipulated by the University and College
Biological and Physical Sciences to Ocean Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
The Wilkes Honors College (WHC) and the College of Engineering and Computer Science offer a combined Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biological and Physical Sciences to Master of Science in Ocean Engineering degree program. The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree will be completed and received from the WHC. Students complete the Master of Science in Ocean Engineering in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering (OME) at FAU and will receive the master’s degree from that college.
Students may count up to 12 credits of approved graduate coursework (5000 level or higher) toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees. These graduate courses will replace the upper-level elective courses in the bachelor’s program. The combined program totals a minimum of 150 credits:
- The student must take a minimum 120 credits for the bachelor's degree; and
- The student must take a minimum of 30 credits in 5000 level or higher courses for the master's program.
Students must complete the prerequisite coursework for the master’s degree while pursuing the bachelor’s degree at the WHC. This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. Students complete the undergraduate program first. The combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Admission Requirements
The GRE is not required for this combined program. To be eligible for the combined program, the bachelor’s students in the WHC should:
- Have a cumulative FAU GPA of 3.25 or better at the end of their junior year. Note that the cumulative FAU GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained until the completion of the bachelor's degree in the WHC.
- Formally apply to the combined program, completing the admissions process at least one semester prior to the beginning of the M.S. portion of their program.
Students in the combined program must maintain continuous enrollment to remain in good standing. Students must also meet all the degree requirements of the graduate program they have chosen, including prerequisite courses.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for the combined B.A or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences to M.S. in Ocean Engineering
Degree Program, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences in the WHC and other requirements stipulated by the University and College.
- Completion of all requirements for the M.S. in Ocean Engineering program in the OME department, using either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Biological and Physical Sciences to Civil, Environmental or Geomatics Engineering to Civil Engineering
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
Second Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
Master of Science (M.S.)
Combined Program
The Wilkes Honors College (WHC) and the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CoE&CS) offer a combined Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biological and Physical Sciences to a Second Bachelor of Science in Civil, Environmental or Geomatics Engineering to a Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree program. The B.A. or B.S. degree is completed and received from the WHC. The second bachelor’s degree and master's degree are completed in the College of Engineering and Computer Science's Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering Department and received from the CoE&CS. Students may count up to 12 credits of approved graduate coursework (5000 level or higher) toward both their second bachelor's and master's degrees. These graduate courses replace the upper-level elective courses in the bachelor’s program. The combined program totals a minimum of 150 credits:
- The student must take a minimum 120 credits for the first bachelor's degree;
- The student must take a minimum of 30 credits for the second bachelor's degree; and
- The student must take a minimum of 30 credits in 5000-level or higher courses for the master's program.
Students must complete the prerequisite coursework for the master’s degree while pursuing the second bachelor’s degree. This combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. Students complete the B.A. or B.S. undergraduate program first. The combined program can be completed in approximately five years.
Admission Requirements
The GRE is not required for this combined program. To be eligible for the combined program,
bachelor’s students in the WHC should:
- Have a cumulative FAU GPA of 3.25 or better in their last 60 credits. Note that the cumulative FAU GPA of at least 3.25 must be maintained until the completion of the bachelor's degree in the WHC.
- Formally apply to the combined program, completing the admissions process at least one semester prior to the beginning of the M.S. portion of their program.
Students must meet all the degree requirements of the graduate program they have chosen, including prerequisite courses.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for this combined program, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of the requirements for the B.A or B.S. in Biological and Physical Sciences in the WHC, and other requirements stipulated by the University and College.
- Completion of all requirements for the second B.S. in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Geomatics Engineering from the Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering Department.
- Completion of all requirements for the M.S. in Civil Engineering degree program in the Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Department, with either the thesis or the non-thesis (courses only) option.
Liberal Arts and Sciences to History
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) to
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Combined Program
History Concentration
This combined degree program enables outstanding students to graduate with both a Bachelor of Arts with Major in Liberal Arts and Sciences with Concentration in History degree and a Master of Arts with a Major in History degree (B.A./M.A.) in as little as five years. The program is 150 credits (with thesis option) or 156 credits (without thesis option). Students complete 120 credits for the undergraduate degree and 30 credits (thesis option) or 36 credits (non-thesis option) for the graduate degree. Students complete the undergraduate degree first, taking no more than 12 credits of graduate coursework in their senior year, which can be used to satisfy requirements for both degrees.
Admission Requirements
- Each applicant must be a declared History concentrator at Florida Atlantic University's Wilkes Honors College, with 60-90 credits completed toward the B.A. degree, including HIS 4971, RI: Honors Thesis in History or AMH 4970, RI: Honors Thesis in American History.
- Applicants must have a minimum 3.25 GPA for the last 60 undergraduate credits attempted.
- Applicants should have a minimum score of 155 on the verbal and a 4.0 on the analytical sections of the GRE. If the applicant has a GPA well over the 3.25 minimum, the department may consider the quantitative section for purposes of meeting the GRE criterion.
- Applicants must demonstrate competency in at least one foreign language. To do so, applicants must complete one of the following two options:
- Passing one semester at the intermediate level (2220) of a foreign language at FAU or the equivalent at another university as determined by the History Department’s Graduate Committee.
- Passing an equivalency exam at the 2220 level.
- Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, written by tenured or tenure-earning members of the Department of History or History professors at the Honors College.
- Applicants must provide a writing sample as part of their application. This should be a term paper or lengthy essay.
- Applicants must provide a two-to-three-page typed, double-spaced autobiographical statement indicating the nature of their preparation for graduate work and the reasons for seeking the combined B.A./M.A. degree in History.
- Prospective applicants for the combined B.A./M.A. degree in History are encouraged to schedule an interview with the department's Director of Graduate Studies.
- The application deadline is October 15 for Spring admission, and June 1 for Fall admission.
Undergraduate Course Replacements
In their senior year, students admitted to the combined degree program may take up to 12 credits of graduate coursework, which are then used to satisfy requirements for both degrees. This will be accomplished by substituting 12 credits of free elective credit at the upper division (3000- 4000- level) with HIS 5060: The Historical Experience, and 9 credits of additional graduate coursework with course prefixes of AMH, EUH, HIS, LAH, or WOH at the 5000- or 6000-level.
Degree Requirements
To be eligible for the combined B.A./M.A. degree in History, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completion of all requirements for the B.A. in Liberal Arts and Science with Concentration in History in the Wilkes Honors College, in addition to other requirements as stipulated by the University and the College.
- Completion of all requirements for the M.A. in History major with either the thesis or non-thesis option.
Liberal Arts and Sciences to Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) to
Master of Science (M.S.)
combined program
Mathematical Sciences Concentration
Biological and Physical Sciences to Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) to
Master of Science (M.S.)
combined program
Mathematics Concentration
This is an accelerated five-year program where students complete the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a Math concentration in the Wilkes Honors College and then continue on with the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Mathematics in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.
The combined degree program is 150 credits: 120 credits for the undergraduate degree and 30 for the master's degree, with a maximum of 12 credits of graduate coursework used to satisfy both degrees. Once admitted into the program, students follow the suggested course sequences within a single concentration. The baccalaureate degree will be conferred before the master's degree.
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in upper-division and graduate courses. Students interested in this program should consult with the undergraduate and graduate advisors before taking upper-division mathematics coursework to ensure that their coursework will apply toward the combined degree. Students apply for admission to candidacy by the end of their junior year.
The Bachelor’s Curriculum
Students must complete the requirements of the B.A. with concentration in Mathematical Sciences or the B.A./B.S. degree with concentration in Mathematics from the Wilkes Honors College. In addition, students must complete MAS 4107 Linear Algebra 2 and STA 4442 Probability and Statistics 1.
Twelve graduate credits from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics can be counted toward both the bachelor’s degree and the master's degree. The 12 graduate credits should be chosen within a single concentration of the master's program. These 12 credits may be counted as the upper-division math electives or substituted as follows:
- MAA 5228 can be used to substitute for MAA 4200
- MAS 5311 can be used to substitute for MAS 4301
- MAS 5145 can be used to substitute for MAS 4107
The Master's Curriculum
Students complete all requirements for the M.S. degree in Mathematics.
Link to Course Descriptions for the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College