The University offers three levels of honors: cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude. 

• Cum laude requires a 3.50 GPA on all courses taken at UF under the Fine Arts student classification beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.
• Magna cum laude requires a 3.75 GPA on all courses taken at UF under the FA student classification beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.  Students must also complete an honors thesis/creative project.  The department recommends the distinction awarded.
• Summa cum laude requires a 3.90 GPA on all courses taken at UF under the FA student classification beginning the semester after accumulating 60 credits.  Students must also complete an honors thesis/creative project.  The department recommends the distinction awarded.

Please note that GPA is determined to the hundredths (e.g., 3.495 = 3.49).  Transfer and S/U credits are excluded.

For magna cum laude and summa cum laude, students must complete an honors thesis documenting their senior project, which consists of two portions:

• An abstract of 100-200 words.  Your abstract should begin with a definitive statement of the problem or project treated by your thesis.  The purpose, scope, and limits of the thesis should be clearly delineated.  Then, as concisely as possible, describe research methods and design, major findings, the significance of your work (if appropriate), and conclusions. 
• A thesis of at least 3000 words; this may include a reasonable amount of graphics, should your project description benefit from diagrams, schematics, or photographs.  Your thesis can reflect the work on your Senior Project in that you can describe the process of developing and producing your Senior Project.  If your Senior Project was a group effort, your thesis should focus on your role in the collaboration.  Students are encouraged to use UF's Writing Studio, which helps them become better proofreaders and editors and offers one-on-one consultations.

Students who are eligible for magna cum laude and summa cum laude will be contacted by Phillip Klepacki within two weeks of the degree application deadline for the relevant term with detailed instructions and submission deadlines.

Timeline for Thesis Submission

If you would like to pursue the Magna/summa cum laude honors designation, please be mindful of the following deadlines.

• Fall 2024
  • Friday, September 27:  Submit your Honors Thesis Intention Form.
  • Monday, November 18: Submit your Honors Thesis, in PDF format, via e-mail to your thesis advisor. This should be a final, polished draft.
  • Wednesday, December 4:  Faculty review will be completed by this day. All honors designations are contingent upon the final upper-division GPA.
  • Friday, December 6: Submit your final thesis according to the UF Libraries website's guidelines. Please pay attention to the acceptable formats for your thesis. (https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/c.php?g=966329&p=7028773)