Honors

Students who excel while attaining their philosophy degree may be eligible for cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude honors at the recommendation of the department. In order to be considered for these distinctions, student must meet certain requirements.

Cum Laude

The minimum eligibility requirements for Latin Honors—which include minimum GPA numbers as well as A or A-minus grades in the distribution areas—are stated in The Tufts Bulletin. Cum laude honors are automatically awarded to all students who meet these requirements.

Magna Cum Laude

Each semester, the faculty of each major department is informed which of its second-semester seniors may be eligible for magna honors and, after considering the relevant evidence carefully, meets to vote on each case.

Students should be aware that magna honors require more than the fulfillment of the requirements stated in the Bulletin. In order to graduate Magna Cum Laude, an honor bestowed in recognition of outstanding work in one's major, students must have demonstrated overall excellence through the depth and breadth of their coursework.

The philosophy department will not consider for magna honors any student who has not taken at least four Philosophy courses number 100 or above. The departmental votes are only recommendations.

Summa Cum Laude

Highest distinction (summa cum laude) may be conferred on students who meet the criteria stated in the Tufts Bulletin.

The philosophy department will not consider for summa cum laude honors any student who has not taken at least four Philosophy courses number 100 or above.

Students should be aware that summa honors require more than the fulfillment of the requirements stated in the Bulletin. For graduation Summa Cum Laude, students must have demonstrated overall excellence both within the major and across the disciplines. Summa Cum Laude is a university-wide honor, not a departmental one, and so is voted by the entire faculty of liberal arts.

Consideration for Honors

All eligible students are automatically considered for honors. Students need not take any action to be considered for cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude.