Honors Program

The Honors Program is an opportunity for students who have shown potential for superior academic performance and who desire a highly engaging experience as an undergraduate. After admission to the university, all students who received a score of 2070 or above on the math, writing and critical reading sections of the SAT or a 33 composite score on the ACT are encouraged to apply. Honors program candidates also must have a weighted academic high school grade point average of 4.0 or higher, as computed by the Office of Admissions.

Students who do not have the requisite test scores and/or grade point average may apply via a petition process. Students who are not accepted as incoming freshmen may apply for the program via the lateral admission process after demonstrating their academic capabilities during the fall semester of their first year.

Honors program students are eligible for special honors classes and housing in the Honors Residential College at Hume Hall.

Typically honors students enroll in at least one honors class during their first four semesters, although they may enroll in honors courses throughout their undergraduate careers. The small classes and the academic abillity of the students make possible more thorough inquiry into course materials and more independent work. Students enhance their skills through extensive reading, writing and oral presentations.

To remain in the program they must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0

Honors requirements are not in addition to general education requirements and can be used to satisfy these requirements. The small classes and the academic ability of the students make possible more thorough inquiry into course materials and more independent work. Students enhance their skills through extensive reading, writing and oral presentations.

Students who satisfy the honors program requirements with a 3.0 overall average, complete the general education requirement and earn 60 semester hours will receive the Associate of Arts degree with cum laude recognition. Those with a 3.5 overall grade point average will receive magna cum laude recognition. Students may also apply to receive a certificate of completion.

After reaching upper-division status, students work within their major to graduate with magna cum laude or summa cum laude recognition. Typically this requires the completion of a research or other appropriate project and a specific GPA, as established by the college of the major.