The University of Washington recognizes several honors distinctions that are included on student transcripts.
In addition to the following baccalaureate honors, students may also be eligible for Annual and Quarterly Dean’s Lists.
Baccalaureate Honors
Baccalaureate honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude) are awarded only to recipients of a first baccalaureate degree. These honors are earned by those students who have completed no fewer than 90 residence credits at this institution. At least 60 of the 90 credits must have been acquired on a numerically graded basis.
The University’s Honors Committee determines annually the grade-point requirement for each baccalaureate honor at each campus – Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma. In recent years, approximately ten percent of the students have been awarded baccalaureate honors. Distance Learning courses (those that include a DL prefix) are included in the UW cumulative GPA and therefore count toward baccalaureate honors.
Baccalaureate Honors by Campus
Autumn 2024 – Summer 2025
A complete list of Baccalaureate Honors for UW Bothell and additional details are provided on the UWB website.
| PROGRAM | CUM LAUDE | MAGNA CUM LAUDE | SUMMA CUM LAUDE |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | 3.80 | 3.89 | 3.97 |
| EDUCATIONAL STUDIES | 3.97 | 3.98 | 4.00 |
| INTERACTIVE MEDIA DESIGN | 3.87 | 3.95 | 3.99 |
| INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS AND SCIENCES | 3.93 | 3.98 | 4.00 |
| NURSING AND HEALTH STUDIES | 3.98 | 3.99 | 4.00 |
| SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, and MATHEMATICS | 3.87 | 3.95 | 3.99 |
Additionally:
- Students must also earn 90 matriculated credits in residence at the UW and at least 60 credits must be numerically graded.
- Summa Cum Laude is the top 0.5%
- Magna Cum Laude is the next 3%
- Cum Laude is the next 6.5%
Autumn 2024 – Summer 2025
| COLLEGE OR SCHOOL | CUM LAUDE | MAGNA CUM LAUDE | SUMMA CUM LAUDE |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS & SCIENCES | 3.90 | 3.96 | 4.00 |
| BUILT ENVIRONMENTS | 3.83 | 3.89 | 3.95 |
| BUSINESS SCHOOL | 3.81 | 3.89 | 3.95 |
| EDUCATION | 3.96 | 3.99 | 4.00 |
| ENGINEERING | 3.86 | 3.92 | 3.98 |
| ENVIRONMENT | 3.85 | 3.93 | 3.98 |
| INFORMATION SCHOOL | 3.88 | 3.93 | 3.98 |
| MEDICINE | 3.87 | 3.91 | 3.96 |
| NURSING | 3.98 | 3.99 | 4.00 |
| PUBLIC HEALTH | 3.85 | 3.92 | 3.98 |
| SOCIAL WORK | 3.96 | 3.98 | 4.00 |
Additionally:
- Students must also earn 90 matriculated credits in residence at the UW and at least 60 credits must be numerically graded.
- Summa Cum Laude is the top 0.5%
- Magna Cum Laude is the next 3%
- Cum Laude is the next 6.5%
Autumn 2024 – Summer 2025
A complete list of Baccalaureate Honors for UW Tacoma and additional details are provided on the UWT website.
| PROGRAM | CUM LAUDE | MAGNA CUM LAUDE | SUMMA CUM LAUDE |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | 3.83 | 3.91 | 3.96 |
| ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY | 3.91 | 3.97 | 4.00 |
| HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP (Same as IAS) | 3.91 | 3.97 | 4.00 |
| INTERDISC. ARTS & SCIENCES / ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE | 3.91 | 3.97 | 4.00 |
| NURSING | 3.98 | 3.99 | 4.00 |
| SOCIAL WELFARE / CRIMINAL JUSTICE | 3.90 | 3.94 | 3.98 |
| URBAN STUDIES / SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT (Same as IAS) | 3.91 | 3.97 | 4.00 |
Additionally:
- Students must also earn 90 matriculated credits in residence at the UW and at least 60 credits must be numerically graded.
- Summa Cum Laude is the top 0.5%
- Magna Cum Laude is the next 3%
- Cum Laude is the next 6.5%
Honors Programs
University Honors Program
Eligible students who complete one of the following University Honors Program pathways will have the distinction included on the University of Washington diploma and transcript
- Interdisciplinary Honors
- Departmental Honors
- College Honors
- Eligible students must complete the Global Honors Program to earn the Global Honors Distinction.
- The Global Honors Distinction is included on the University of Washington diploma and transcript.
First-year, Sophomore, Junior, and President’s Medals
- The First-year Medal is awarded to a sophomore having the highest scholastic standing for the first year of his or her course. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 36 credits in residence at the University of Washington.
- The Sophomore Medal is awarded to a junior having the highest scholastic standing for the first two years of his or her course. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 40 credits in residence at the University of Washington.
- The Junior Medal is awarded to a senior having the highest scholastic standing for their first three years of his or her course. To be eligible, students must have completed at least 40 credits in residence at the University of Washington.
- The President’s Medal, which is conferred at commencement, recognizes two graduating seniors who have the most distinguished academic records in their class. One medal is awarded to a student who has completed at least three-fourths of their degree requirements at the University, and one medal is awarded to a student who entered the University with at least 60 transfer credits from a Washington community college.
Honorary Societies
In addition to the honors previously listed, students with distinguished academic records may participate in several of the following University-wide honorary societies, and specific college or school honorary societies. Information concerning specific college or school honorary societies appears in the respective sections of this catalog.
- Golden Key National Honor Society. A national, nonprofit academic honors organization founded in 1977 for the purpose of recognizing and encouraging scholastic achievement among students from all academic fields. Membership is by invitation only.
- Mortarboard. A national college senior honor society whose membership is based on scholarship, leadership, and service. The local Tolo chapter was founded in 1909 and became part of the national organization in 1925. Students of junior standing apply winter quarter for selection in spring quarter.
- Phi Beta Kappa. A national collegiate honorary society, founded in 1776, with the Washington Alpha Chapter established in 1914. Phi Beta Kappa recognizes distinguished scholarship, especially in the acquisition of an education in the liberal arts and sciences. Students are elected to membership on the basis of GPA and breadth of education.
Additional information on honorary societies may be obtained from academic advisers and the respective campus representatives.
Honors Policies
Policy reference for information on this page may be found in the University Policies and Rules in the following sections: Student Governance and Policies, Scholastic Regulations, Chapter 110, Section 3.
