The Honors Program in Economics
The Undergraduate Honors Program in Economics (Econ 4990-4991) is an opportunity for
students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the major to pursue an independent
research project. The program runs for the entire senior year, and the research is conducted under
the close supervision of a faculty advisor.
Admission to the Honors Program is selective, and it is based upon the following criteria: 1)
performance in coursework, both economics and in general, 2) a description of the proposed
research question, 3) a letter of recommendation from a member of the faculty, and 4) prior
research experience. Students typically develop empirical projects, but it is also possible to do
experimental, theoretical, or historical work.
During the fall semester, students develop thesis proposals that articulate the research question,
survey the relevant literature, and assess the relevant data. After the approval of the thesis proposal,
students are enrolled for a second semester. The Honors Program’s eight credits do not count
toward the major, but are applicable toward the 100-credit requirement in Arts and Sciences. All
students who successfully complete the program will graduate cum laude. Students who write
theses of very high quality can graduate magna cum laude. A student who has an extremely strong
academic record in economics and who completes a thesis of exceptionally high quality will be
considered for graduation summa cum laude.
Requirements: There are no formal prerequisites for the class. Honors students must be in
residence at Cornell during both semesters of senior year (fall, then spring) unless special
permission is granted.
Application forms are attached and are also available from Ulrike Kroeller in Uris 404
(uab1@cornell.edu). Admissions are on a rolling basis. Please note that, while highly
unlikely, it is possible for the program to fill before the final application deadline.
Applications are due by Thursday, April 7, 2016.
Application for Admission to
THE HONORS PROGRAM IN ECONOMICS
Name:
E-Mail:
Local Address:
Summer Address (if different):
Local Phone:
Name(s) of faculty member(s) who will write letter(s) of recommendation for you:
(See below.)
Economics GPA and GPA in all subjects:
(Attach transcript pdf of transcript.)
Description of Research Project. Attach a one-page description of the research project you
wish to undertake. State the topic area and the research question (if you are able to do so).
Explain the general nature of the research (theoretical, empirical, experimental, historical,
survey-based, etc.) and the sorts of data you will need.
Letter(s) of Recommendation. Ask at least one faculty member, preferably in the Department
of Economics, to write a letter of recommendation for you. Complete the top portion of the
attached form. Do not give the form to the faculty member, but return it with your application.
Supplementary Materials. You may also submit other materials, such as term papers or
descriptions of prior research, in support of your application.
Applications due by April 7, 2016. Submit either a paper copy or an electronic version of
completed form and attachments (as a single .pdf file) to Ulrike Kroeller (uab1@cornell.edu),
Economics Department, 404 Uris Hall. Admissions are done on a rolling basis as applications
are received.
Letter of Recommendation
Honors Program in Economics
For 2016-2017 Honors Program
The Honors Program in Economics provides seniors with an opportunity to undertake original research on topics
of their choosing. The program is highly selective. Each participant designs a research project and writes a
substantial Honors thesis, which is reviewed by at least two members of the Economics faculty.
TO THE APPLICANT
Fill out this section, and submit it with your application materials without it being filled out by your faculty
recommender. It will be given to the faculty member you have indicated.
Applicant’s Name (print) _________________________________________________
I waive my right of access to this letter.
(signed) _____________________________________________ Date _____________
Recommender’s name (print) ______________________________________________
TO THE RECOMMENDER
Please comment briefly on this student’s academic performance to date and potential for independent research of
the highest quality. Admission is on a rolling basis. Please return to Gregory Besharov (gb293@cornell.edu).
Recommender’s signature _______________________________________ Date _________________