Honors Program

This is an invitation-only program for students who have shown potential for superior academic performance. After admission to the university, invitations are sent to all students who have scored 1350 or above on the SAT (test taken after March 1995) or 30 composite on the ACT. Honors program candidates also must have an academic high school grade point average of 3.9 or higher, as computed by the university. Honors program students are eligible for special honors classes and housing in the new Honors Residential College at Hume Hall, which opened in Fall 2002.

To remain in the program, students must enroll in at least one honors course each semester until they achieve junior standing (60 or more earned hours) or complete four semesters and maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0. For more information, explore the Honors Web site.

Students who do not qualify may apply for the program after demonstrating their academic capabilities during the fall semester of their first year. Honors requirements are not in addition to general education requirements, but may 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 and complete the general education requirement by 60 semester hours of credit will receive the Associate of Arts certificate with cum laude (honors) recognition. Those with a 3.5 overall grade point average will receive the certificate with magna cum laude (high honors) recognition. Students may also apply to receive a certificate of completion of the program.

After the sophomore year, the honors program becomes the responsibility of the department in which the student pursues a major. Honors programs within each college lead to a baccalaureate degree with cum laude (honors), magna cum laude (high honors) or summa cum laude (highest honors) recognition.