Undergraduate Research
Graduating with Honors
Overview
The College of Education offers three levels of honors upon award of the Bachelor’s degree: Cum Laude (Honors), Magna Cum Laude (High Honors), and Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors). Honors recognition is noted on the university transcript and printed on the diploma.
Eligibility
The GPA used to determine honors includes only UF credits, earned after admission to the College, beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits (junior status). Registration for one to three credits of Undergraduate Research is required in the final semester to be considered for magna cum laude or summa cum laude.
How do I start
In the Fall term prior to your graduating semester, you should attend the High Honors Information Session (typically during the first few weeks of the term; available in-person and remotely for online students). There you will hear about how to get started and what is required for this honor. If you are unable to attend, please contact the College of Education Undergraduate Advising team at studenthelp@coe.ufl.edu for more details.
Honors GPA Requirements: College of Education
Cum Laude
- 3.75 or more GPA
Magna Cum Laude
- 3.75 or more GPA
- Submission of an approved scholarly project
Summa Cum Laude
- 3.9 or more GPA
- Submission of an approved scholarly project
University Scholars Program 2026-2027
Overview
The University Scholars Program offers UF undergraduates the chance to work one-on-one with College of Education faculty on original research or creative projects. As a University Scholar, you’ll explore a topic of mutual interest with your faculty mentor, gain hands-on experience in how knowledge is created and applied, and develop skills that prepare you for graduate study, professional school, and diverse career paths.
Eligibility
Students may not be graduating before Spring 2027. Undergraduate students in the College of Education and in other colleges are eligible to complete a project with a College of Education faculty mentor. Students participating in University Scholars will also be required to complete one to three credits of Undergraduate Research (EDG 4910) through participation.
How Do I Start?
The University Scholars application should include the completed form, a statement of one page (maximum) describing the (a) purpose/rationale for the study; (b) description of the study/project; and (c) how the applicant hopes to benefit from the experience.
Applications should be submitted by February 15th to ssfrontdesk@coe.ufl.edu in EduGator Central, 1002 Norman Hall.
Selection of recipients will be determined by a COE Committee. Criteria for selection will include (a) quality of the written proposal and scholarly contribution of proposed work, (b) fit between topic and mentor’s area of research interests, (c) feasibility of conducting the study. It is unlikely that more than one project will be approved for a single faculty mentor. Students will be notified of their selection by mid-March along with faculty mentors and school directors.
Students interested in becoming a University Scholar through the College of Education may contact ssfrontdesk@coe.ufl.edu in EduGator Central, 1002 Norman Hall with any questions and visit the University Scholars Program page for more information.
The application for the University Scholars Program can be found here.
Deliverables (choose one):
- co-author an article for publication in JUR or any other journal
- poster presentation
- submit a project report
Eligibility:
- Must not be graduating before Spring 2027
- Must be working with a full-time faculty member in the College of Education
College of Education Research Symposium
Aligned with the shared vision of the educational community, the College of Education Research Symposium aims to inspire positive change and advancement in the field. As researchers, educators, and practitioners, your contributions play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education. Through the annual Spring Research Symposium, we seek to facilitate meaningful dialogues and interdisciplinary collaborations, cultivating innovative solutions and strategies to address the evolving needs of learners and educators.
We understand the term “research” broadly and welcome proposal submissions of original social science research, historical inquiry, practitioner inquiry, and other research projects that deepen our understanding of education in a variety of settings, both formal and informal. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and P-12 practitioners conducting inquiry projects are especially encouraged to submit proposals.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Engage in interdisciplinary discussions that foster innovation and collaboration
- Gain conference-style presentation experience in a supportive academic setting
- Contribute to conversations that shape the future of education
- Receive valuable feedback to refine and advance your research
- Be eligible for awards recognizing outstanding presentations
Each year, under the supervision of EduGator Central Student Services, an Executive Board of outstanding undergraduate and graduate students is chosen to plan and host the symposium. Applications for appointment to the Board typically open late in the Fall term for the following Spring symposium. Position titles and responsibilities can be found here.