Each semester Program Coordinators are provided the opportunity to select one candidate from their pool of graduates to nominate for honors. Honors are based on:

• GPA overall
• GPA in degree program
• Departmental activities, honor societies, work for department, research in the discipline, publications and presentations
• Internships and other experiential activities
• Other university and community activities, clubs, organizations, volunteer work
• Other honors and awards
• Plans for further education or employment after graduation

Program Coordinators will also nominate each year one candidate from all concentrations for the Hardesty Award. 

The late Dr. R. Bowen Hardesty established a cash award to be made annually in his name and that of his late son.  This award goes to a student earning a master of education degree who demonstrated the most innovative qualities in his or her graduate work.