Honors Program

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  2. Honors Program
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Designed for motivated students with strong academic records, the College Honors Program lets you learn in small classes taught by some of our finest professors. This environment—surrounded by peers who share your academic interests and guided by dedicated faculty—promotes deeper exploration and more individualized attention.

Designed for motivated students with strong academic records, the College Honors Program lets you learn in small classes taught by some of our finest professors. This environment—surrounded by peers who share your academic interests and guided by dedicated faculty—promotes deeper exploration and more individualized attention.

How the Program Works

The College Honors Program gives academically talented students from every major the opportunity to enrich their college experience through a four-year honors curriculum. Students may complete General Education Honors, Departmental Honors, or both. Completion of either program is recognized on your official transcript, while completing both earns the distinguished designation of College Honors.

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General Education Honors

Students complete a minimum of five General Education courses—typically including the three core requirements—in specially designed honors sections. With smaller class sizes, these courses foster engaging discussions, close collaboration with faculty, and opportunities for individualized learning. Honors courses challenge students to think more deeply, explore ideas from multiple perspectives, and build the critical thinking and communication skills that prepare them for success beyond the classroom.

Departmental Honors

Departmental Honors offers students the opportunity to do an independent research, critical or creative project on a topic of their choice and directed by a professor of their choice. Normally the project begins in the senior year and requires six to eight hours of independent study credit over two semesters.

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Beyond Academic Benefits

  • Live in our “Quiet Suite” dorm option
  • Become eligible for merit scholarships
  • Stand out for graduate school
  • Be competitive in the job market
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How to Apply

General Education Honors

No separate application is required. All first-year applicants with a 4.0 GPA or higher who submit a completed ˾ Common Application by the Early Action priority deadline (12/15) are automatically considered for the honors program. Submit your enrollment deposit by May 1 to be eligible for Honors Program consideration.

Departmental Honors

Students apply to the honors committee in their major department, no later than the beginning of the semester before senior year.