Robert J. McLaughlin Honors Academy
Purpose of the Honors Academy
The Robert J. McLaughlin Honors Academy provides experiences for the highly motivated student that will broaden and enrich the student's perspective of psychology.
Selection of Participants
During the fall and spring semesters, eligible students may apply to the Academy. To be eligible to apply to the Academy the following are required:
- 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
Interested and eligible students should contact Dr. Carlee Beth Hawkins, coordinator of the Honors Academy. The application form is available here in .doc format. DO NOT fill it out by hand. Please download the application, save it, and type your information into the Word document, or look for an email on the undergraduate listserv each spring containing information about how to apply online. Applications will not be accepted until the Monday following Spring Break and are due the first Friday in April by noon. Please print your typed application, put it in a manila envelope and put the completed packet in Dr. Hawkins’ mailbox located in AH 0118, or simply submit the online form. Dr. Hawkins will look over the applications and send out acceptance (or rejection) emails shortly thereafter.
Requirements for Graduating with Psychology Honors
- Complete the Honors' section of PSYC 494 (Capstone in Psychology). This involves developing, completing and presenting an 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 (this must be done for at least 3 hours course credit under PSYCH 491 - Research in Psychology) before graduating.
- Complete at least one semester of field study (must be done for at least 3 hours course credit under PSYC 493 - Field Study in Psychology) before graduating.
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.
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
Alexa Naas: The Effects of COVID-19 School Changes on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chair: Dr. Elizabeth McKenney
Ashleigh Lupton: Self-Esteem and Conscientiousness as Predictors of Eating Behaviors
Chair: Dr. Eunyoe Ro
Mario Diaz: Can A Brief Mindfulness or Lovingkindness Meditation Decrease Implicit Racial Bias?
Chair: Dr. Carlee Beth Hawkins
Madelyn Jenkins: Differences in Perceptions of Men and Women with Major Depressive Disorder
Chair: Dr. Rachel Tennial
Zach Miller: Studying with Distractions: The Risks of Visual and Auditory Multitasking in College
Chair: Dr. Jason Murphy
Anna “Nicki” Connolly: Differences in Leadership Styles between Military and Non-Military Men and Women
Chair: Dr. Joel Nadler
Kyle Shive: Meditation and Decision-Making Competency
Chair: Dr. Jonathan Pettibone
