Honors Experiences

In fulfilling the requirement for an enriched program of study, a student may use any combination of the various types of Honors opportunities available. In order to maintain Honors College membership and graduate with Honors College notation, students must complete at least 3 Honors experiences by the end of their second Spring semester and at least 8 total Honors experiences by graduation. For students completing a second degree, a total of 10 Honors experiences are required for Honors College notation on both degrees.

In order to fulfill the requirements of the Academic Scholars Program, students must complete at least 2 Honors experiences by the end of their first Spring semester. Should an Academic Scholar transition into the Honors College, any completed Honors experiences would apply toward the 8 total required to graduate with Honors College notation.

Honors Courses

Many departments offer Honors courses especially for Academic Scholars Program and Honors College students. Often these classes are much smaller than their non-Honors counterparts; some are designed specifically for ASP and Honors students and have no non-Honors counterpart. Material is usually covered in greater depth than in non-Honors courses, and there is more classroom interaction in general. The pace is faster and more challenging, since students are surrounded by other students of the same caliber and, often, the same interests. Honors courses are designated by an “H” after the course number.

See the Class Search for details on offerings of Honors courses.

Honors Sections

In some multi-section courses, one (or more) section may be designated as an Honors section. Like Honors courses, these classes are usually smaller than their non-Honors counterparts, move more briskly, and involve more classroom interaction. Honors sections are designated by an “H” after the section number.

See the Class Search for details on offerings of Honors sections.

Honors Options

An Honors Option is more extensive or more advanced work than is required of all students in a regular course. The professor must approve the format, timeline, and scope of the project.

Graduate Courses

(Accessible to HC members only)*
Well-selected graduate courses at the 500-, 800-, or 900-level can make excellent Honors-caliber substitutions for many 300- and 400-level courses. Further, graduate courses can be completed within or outside the student’s academic college. To enroll in a graduate course, an Honors College student should first consult the instructor, who can determine whether the student has the necessary preparation to take the course. The student then needs to arrange for an override into the course, either through the instructor or the departmental office that offers the course. Graduate courses must be at least 2 credits to be considered an Honors experience.

*Beginning Summer 2024, OST courses 500 level and above would require Honors College Advisor approval to be considered for an Honors Experience. OST 600 level Institute for Global Health Education Abroad courses will not be considered as an Honors Experience.