Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry may earn Departmental Honors by demonstrating academic excellence and participating in faculty-mentored undergraduate research.

Departmental Honors recognizes students who have distinguished themselves through challenging coursework, scholarly achievement, and original research.

Students who successfully complete all program requirements graduate with Departmental Honors in Chemistry, which is recognized on both their Indiana University diploma and transcript.

Is Departmental Honors Right for You?

Departmental Honors is an excellent option for students who:

• Enjoy solving scientific problems through research
• Want to work closely with a faculty mentor
• Are considering graduate or professional school
• Are interested in completing an independent research project
• Want to strengthen their laboratory, communication, and critical-thinking skills
• Wish to graduate with Departmental Honors recognition

Students interested in Departmental Honors are encouraged to begin exploring undergraduate research opportunities early in their academic career, ideally during their sophomore or junior year.

Program Requirements

To graduate with Departmental Honors, students must satisfy all requirements established by the Department of Chemistry and the College of Arts and Sciences.

Students must:

• Complete the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
• Earn a minimum cumulative Indiana University GPA of 3.30
• Successfully complete CHEM-X 499: Chemical Research Capstone

For complete and current honors requirements, refer to the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin.

View Departmental Honors Requirements

Undergraduate Research

Faculty-mentored undergraduate research is the cornerstone of the Departmental Honors Program.

Most students begin undergraduate research by enrolling in CHEM-X 399: Chemical Research, where they gain experience working in a faculty research laboratory. Students who choose to pursue Departmental Honors continue their research in CHEM-X 499: Chemical Research Capstone.

For information about research opportunities, application procedures, and CHEM-X 399/CHEM-X 499, visit the Undergraduate Research page.

Learn More About Undergraduate Research

Honors Chemistry Courses

The Department of Chemistry also offers Honors sections of selected chemistry courses for students seeking a more rigorous classroom experience.

Current Honors course offerings include:

• CHEM-H 117 – Principles of Chemistry and Biochemistry I, Honors
• CHEM-H 127 – Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I, Honors
• CHEM-H 341 – Organic Chemistry I, Honors
• CHEM-H 342 – Organic Chemistry II, Honors

Honors courses are designed to provide smaller class sizes, increased interaction with faculty, and additional depth beyond the standard curriculum.

Enrollment in Honors chemistry courses is not required to graduate with Departmental Honors.

Honors courses are open to any qualified student and provide excellent preparation for undergraduate research, regardless of whether the student intends to pursue Departmental Honors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take Honors chemistry courses to graduate with Departmental Honors?

No. Honors chemistry courses are optional and are not required to graduate with Departmental Honors.

Do I need to participate in undergraduate research?

Yes. Faculty-mentored undergraduate research is an essential component of the Departmental Honors Program. Students pursuing Departmental Honors complete an original research project under the supervision of a Department of Chemistry faculty member.

Can I participate in undergraduate research without pursuing Departmental Honors?

Absolutely. Many students participate in undergraduate research through CHEM-X 399 to gain research experience, earn academic credit, or prepare for graduate or professional school without pursuing Departmental Honors.

When should I begin undergraduate research?

Students are encouraged to begin research as early as possible, ideally during their sophomore or junior year. Starting early provides additional time to gain research experience before enrolling in CHEM-X 499.

Can I join the Departmental Honors Program after my freshman year?

Yes. Many students begin undergraduate research during their sophomore or junior year and still successfully complete Departmental Honors. Students interested in the program are encouraged to speak with a Chemistry academic advisor as early as possible to plan their coursework and research experience.

Is CHEM-X 499 required?

Yes. Successful completion of CHEM-X 499: Chemical Research Capstone is required for Departmental Honors. Information about CHEM-X 499, including course requirements and the application process, is available on the Undergraduate Research page.

What GPA is required?

Students must earn a minimum cumulative Indiana University GPA of 3.30 to graduate with Departmental Honors.

Where can I find the complete Departmental Honors requirements?

Complete Departmental Honors requirements, including all departmental and university policies, are published in the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin.

Questions?

Contact the Chemistry Academic Office:

Email: chemound@iu.edu
Phone: (812) 855-2700
Office: Chemistry Building, Room C021