Academics at WISE Honors

At WISE Honors, academic excellence is at the core of our program. We are committed to providing a rigorous and supportive educational experience that challenges students to excel in their studies, engage in meaningful research, and cultivate a deep understanding of their chosen fields. Through a carefully structured curriculum, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, explore interdisciplinary topics, and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for leadership roles in their academic and professional careers. The WISE Honors program fosters a collaborative learning environment where students thrive as both individuals and scholars, supported by faculty mentors and a network of like-minded peers.

WISE Courses

A seminar-type course composed of discussions and explorations of the various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, possible career paths, and its worldwide relevance. Some lectures include visits of guest speakers who describe their respective fields of expertise and the opportunities for students entering the field today. Other topics include ethics, research and career opportunities, intellectual property and entrepreneurship. The interdisciplinary, universality and civic value of STEM are emphasized and established through students’ projects that link STEM to other disciplines including global issues, humanities and the arts.

1 credit, letter grading

Spring

SBC: Partially fulfills GLO

Prerequisite: Admission to the WISE Honors Program or permission of the instructor and department
This course examines how gender intersects with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in historical and contemporary contexts. This examination highlights how social, ethical, political, economic and cultural factors shape historical and contemporary understandings of STEM knowledge, as well as attitudes toward those who practice in STEM fields. The course focuses on women's historic and current participation in STEM disciplines, including why so few women are involved in these fields. We will consider how stereotypes are reinforced by popular culture and explore how we might reimagine STEM knowledge and practice to incorporate greater diversity.

Not for credit in addition to WSE 242.

3 credits, letter grading

Fall & Spring offerings

SBC: HUM; Partially fulfills GLO; DIV

Prerequisite: WSE 105
An active learning course that builds upon the awareness of self and knowledge of career fields, focusing on preparation for experiential learning. Students will gather and organize knowledge, skills, strengths, and artifacts of their collegiate accomplishments, and apply a strategic marketing lens for designing their professional brand by crafting a resume, personal brand statement, LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch and cover letter. Students will actively apply for experiences on and off campus as part of the course.

Prerequisite: WSE 105

1 credit
This course consists of a combination of theory and practice. The theoretical component involves an overview of research methodologies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, including literature reviews, research design, data collection, and quantitative analyses. In addition, there is a hands-on experience in doing research in STEM disciplines. Students may perform research in laboratory of their choice under the supervision of a faculty member and prior approval of a research plan by the course coordinator, or may select among some offered research experiences. Within the research settings, students are given background literature, instructed in the problem to be studied, learn the necessary technical tools, jointly make a research plan and carry out experiments related to the problem, and discuss the social implications of the research problem. Students prepare papers and/or make presentations related to the projects in which they participate. Not for credit in addition to WSE 187.

3 credits, letter grading

Fall & Spring offerings

SBC: TECH

Prerequisite: WSE 105
In this course, students will apply social science knowledge and methodologies to learn how to integrate meaningful community service within the context of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to enrich the learning experience, engage in civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. STEM-related skills based knowledge such as design optimization, systems and subsystem interconnectedness, constraints, trade-offs and side effects, and ethical considerations will be acquired as result of the participation in the course. Students will be evaluated on the identification of a community need, the STEM design aspects of their proposed solution, and their communication of the problem, research and solution. As part of the course, direct engagement with community partners during and after the design phase should be established as students learn how to engage civically as part of a democratic citizenry with the depth of commitment to community service that the 21st century demands.

1 credit, letter grading

Fall & Spring offerings

SBC: SBS

Prerequisite: WSE 380
This course will provide an in-depth examination of the essential components of leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The course will explore how leadership theory, drawn from the social sciences, applies to real-life situations and challenges in STEM education, industry, and policy. Key concepts of leadership will be introduced including: knowledge of organizational structures, culture, power, communication (written, verbal and non-verbal), politics, decision making, problem solving, collaboration, ethics, and diversity. Students will apply theory in action by participating in STEM leadership opportunities through mentoring, tutoring, research, and/or service-learning experiences at the university, local communities, and/or industry internships.

1 credit, letter grading

Fall & Spring offerings

SBC: STAS

Prerequisite: WSE 381
This course examines factors that shape contemporary careers and ways in which individual adaptability is critical for long term success in a rapidly evolving career landscape. You will learn a proactive approach to career and life design to plan for continual development of skills and competencies that fuel career growth. A focus on developing and nurturing a network of professionals in a wide variety of fields, requiring elevated communication and outreach skills. A financial planning piece will incorporate budgeting, loan repayment, and personal fiscal planning.

Prerequisite: WSE 205

1 credit
This is a first course of a two-semester, six-credit, research or creative project in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to be approved by the course coordinator and a faculty supervisor. Students may substitute an appropriate credit-bearing departmental honors project, senior design project or thesis. At the end of the first term, a progress report is expected; at the end of the second term, the student must make an oral presentation at either their department or at an approved event by the course coordinator and must submit an appropriate thesis. Students only receive grade upon completion of the sequence.

3 credits, letter grading

Fall

SBC: Partially fulfills: ESI, EXP+, CER, SPK, WRTD

Prerequisite: WSE 381
This is a second course of a two-semester, six-credit, research or creative project to be approved by the course coordinator and a faculty supervisor. Students may substitute an appropriate credit-bearing departmental honors project, senior design project or thesis. The student is expected to make an oral presentation at their department or at an approved event by the course coordinator and must submit an appropriate thesis. Students only receive a grade upon completion of the sequence.

3 credits, letter grading

Spring

SBC: Partially fulfills: ESI, EXP+, CER, SPK, WRTD

Prerequisite: WSE 495
Students need a total of 2 credits selected from the following courses:

Note: Similar courses taken as part of the student´s major curriculum may be used to satisfy WISE Honors requirements with approval of the WISE Honors Faculty Director.
Students assist the faculty in teaching courses and outreach experiences by conducting recitation or laboratory sections that supplement a lecture course or outreach. Permission to register requires an outlined teaching assistantship plan for a course under the supervision of a faculty member or for an outreach plan with the appropriate supervisor, which will be approved by the WISE Honors Faculty Director. The student receives regularly scheduled supervision from the faculty instructor. A final report and possibly a presentation are required. May be repeated, but only two credits of teaching practicum may be counted toward the WISE Honors requirement.

2 credits, letter grading

All semesters

Pre/co-requisite: WSE 381 or permission of the instructor and department
Students with the appropriate background and mentoring skills participate in mentoring opportunities for undergraduate or pre-college students. Permission to register requires an outlined mentorship plan for an activity or group of students under the supervision of a faculty member or professional, which will be approved by the WISE Honors Faculty Director. The student receives regular mentoring and supervision for their mentoring experiences. A final report and possibly a presentation are required. May be repeated but only two credits of practicum may be counted toward the WISE Honors requirement.

2 credits, letter grading

All semesters

Pre/co-requisite: WSE 381 or permission of the instructor and department
An independent research project with faculty supervision. Permission to register requires a research plan, the agreement of a faculty member to supervise the research and the approval from the WISE Honors Faculty Director. A final report and presentation are required. May be repeated but only two credits of internship may be counted toward the WISE Honors requirement.

2 credits, letter grading

All semesters

SBC: EXP+

Pre/co-requisite: WSE 381 or permission of the instructor and department
An independent off-campus STEM project under faculty and/or STEM professional supervision. Permission to register requires a project plan, the agreement of a supervisor and the approval from the WISE Honors Faculty Director. A work plan and final report are required. May be repeated but only two credits of internship may be counted toward the WISE Honors requirement.

2 credits, letter grading

All semesters

SBC: EXP+

Pre/co-requisite: WSE 381 or permission of the instructor and department.

Welcome

Unlock Your Potential: Opportunities Inside and Outside the Classroom

Inside the Classroom

Tailored STEM Curriculum: Enroll in exclusive WISE-designated courses designed to enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills within STEM fields.

World-Class Researchers & Women-Identifying Faculty: Learn from distinguished researchers and women-identifying faculty members who are leaders in their fields. Their expertise and mentorship create an empowering learning environment where you can thrive academically and professionally.

Interdisciplinary Exploration: Delve into STEM-focused topics through small, interactive classes and collaborative projects that prepare you for success in research and industry.

Priority Registration: Enjoy early access to course registration, ensuring you secure the STEM courses you need to stay on track for your career goals.

Research Opportunities: Collaborate with faculty on innovative research projects and gain hands-on experience in specialized STEM fields. As a WISE student, you'll have access to exclusive laboratory opportunities where you can apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

Shaping Well-Rounded Women in STEM: We are committed to shaping our students into well-rounded, confident women in STEM by providing a wide array of opportunities that set them apart in the workforce. From leadership roles to hands-on research and networking events, WISE ensures that you graduate ready to take on leadership positions in your field.

STEM Peer Community: Engage with a supportive cohort of like-minded women who share your passion for STEM and academic excellence.

Outside the Classroom

Exclusive WISE Events: Participate in WISE-only workshops, STEM panels, and networking opportunities with industry leaders, researchers, and WISE alumni.

Partnership with Brookhaven National Lab: Take advantage of our unique partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory, which offers WISE students the chance to engage in cutting-edge research and internships in a world-class scientific environment.

Residential Learning Community: Live in a dedicated WISE residence hall, designed to support your academic journey and create a strong sense of community with other WISE students.

Leadership Development: Take on leadership roles such as WISE Peer Mentor, program ambassador, or event coordinator to strengthen your leadership and communication skills.

Community Engagement: Join WISE-sponsored outreach initiatives, inspiring the next generation of women in STEM through mentoring and community programs.

Experiential Learning: Fulfill the EXP+ requirement through STEM-focused internships, research assistantships, and study abroad opportunities designed specifically for WISE students.

STEM Career Resources: Access exclusive career development resources, including networking events, graduate school preparation workshops, and internship placement support tailored for women in STEM.

Close-Knit Support System: Build lasting connections with peers, alumni, and mentors through a vibrant community that champions your academic and personal success in STEM.

WISE Honors Program Requirements

Course Sequence Requirements:

First Year:

- WSE 101: Introduction to WISE Honors, focusing on academic success and integration into the program.
- WSE 105: Research and Career Development, providing foundational skills for future research and professional opportunities.

Second Year:

WSE 380: An in-depth course that advances academic knowledge and professional development.
WSE 205: Service-learning experience, encouraging students to engage with their community through service.

Third Year:

WSE 201: A course focused on academic exploration and advanced topics in research.
WSE 381: Continued focus on research, offering students the opportunity to engage in hands-on work in their chosen fields.
WISE Practicum (2 credits): Students choose one of the following courses—WSE 475, WSE 477, WSE 487, or WSE 488—or another approved course to fulfill the practicum requirement. This can be taken concurrently with or after WSE 381.

Fourth Year:

WSE 401 & WSE 405: Leadership-focused courses designed to cultivate leadership skills and prepare students for their professional and academic futures.
WSE 495 or WSE 496: Senior Thesis or Design Project, a capstone experience where students demonstrate their academic and research capabilities. This includes submitting a detailed thesis or project and presenting an oral report at the annual WISE Symposium.

Senior Thesis or Design Project:

All students must submit a letter of intent by the end of their third year, describing their planned senior thesis or design project.

The thesis or project must be single-authored by the student and must be submitted at the conclusion of their final semester.

An oral presentation of the thesis or project is required at the WISE Symposium.

Students wishing to complete their project under a departmental designator other than WSE must receive prior approval from the WISE program.

Requirements to Maintain Membership and Receive Transcript Notation

To maintain membership in the WISE Honors Program and to receive transcript notation, students must meet the following criteria:

Successfully complete all required WISE Honors courses with a grade of C or higher, including the Senior Thesis or Design Project.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
Adhere to the university's academic integrity standards and not be found guilty of academic dishonesty.
Ensure compliance with the University’s Code of Conduct through clearance from Community Standards.

Welcome