Robert J. McLaughlin Honors Academy
Purpose of the Honors Academy
The Robert J. McLaughlin Honors Academy provides experiences for highly motivated students that will broaden and enrich their perspective of psychology.
Requirements of the Honors Academy
- Complete the Honors' section of PSYC 494 (Capstone in Psychology). This involves developing, completing, and presenting a two-semester independent research project supervised by a faculty member.
- Maintain a 3.5 GPA overall and in your psychology major.
- Participate in research under faculty supervision for at least one semester before graduating. This must be done for at least 3 hours course credit under PSYCH 491 - Research in Psychology.
- Complete at least one semester of field study before graduating. This must be done for at least 3 hours course credit under PSYC 493 - Field Study in Psychology.
Evaluation of Academy Members
Members of the Academy who successfully complete the above four steps, as well as all other requirements for graduation, will be recommended for graduation with honors in psychology. Students granted these honors will have the distinction permanently registered on their transcripts.
How to Apply to the Honors Academy
Students must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible to apply to the Academy:
- A declared major in psychology
- At least a 3.50 GPA overall and in psychology
- Completed at least 6 credit hours in psychology at SIUE
- A grade of 'A' in either PSYC 220 or PSYC 221 and at least a 'B' in the other of these two courses
Applications are due the first Friday in April by 5PM. Dr. Hawkins will carefully review the applications and email students with a decision shortly thereafter. The online application is available here: https://forms.gle/TzdHK26yvBHw9usH9
If you have questions about the application, your eligibility, and/or the requirements of the Academy, please contact Dr. Carlee Beth Hawkins, Director of the Honors Academy.
Recommended Courses for Academy Members
Members of psychology's honors academy are often interested in graduate study. For students planning to attend graduate school, PSYC 421 – Psychological Tests and Measures and a technical writing course are recommended.
Recent Honors Theses
Tyler Balfour: Athletic Identity and Competitive Anxiety: A Look at Esports vs. Traditional Sports
Chair: Dr. Mitsuru Shimizu
Jenna Callantine: The Barnum Effect in the 21st Century: Replication and Extension of Forer (1949)
Chair: Dr. Stephen Hupp
Kelly Cruise: Age Biases and Technological Mistakes in a Virtual Job Interview
Chair. Dr. Jonathan Pettibone
Jana Hamade: The Effects of Religious Struggle on Internalized Homophobia and Wellbeing in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals
Chair: Dr. Rachel Bradley
Melissa Henry: Examining the Relationship Between Social Privilege and Risk Perceptions
Chair: Dr. Jonathan Pettibone
Parker Kent: The Relationship Between Self-Development Self-Efficacy and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in College Students
Chair: Dr. Andrew Pomerantz
Sai Medavaka: Relationships between Intended Career Fields and Dietary and Physical Activity Patterns in University Students
Chair: Dr. Laura Pawlow
Rianna Roush: The Impact of Student Mindset and Instructor Feedback Orientation on Student Evaluations of Teaching Comments
Chair: Dr. Lynn Bartels
Trinity Sharp: Relationship between Dark and Fun Humor and Stress in Generation Z
Chair: Dr. Dan Segrist
Bryana Vondran: Effects of Satisfying Basic Needs on Choice: An Intervention to Promote Fruit and Vegetable Intake
Chair: Dr. Mitsuru Shimizu
Josie Wright: Does Perceived Control Moderate the Relationship Between Academic Stress and Working Memory?
Chair: Dr. Jason Finley
