Our new program, University Honors, will combine and streamline our two former programs, Honors Core and Upper-Level Honors. Distinguished Honors builds upon University Honors by including an Honors Thesis.
For those that have been in the Honors College, you can choose which program you want to participate in. We do encourage everyone to move to the new program, but for some that might not be feasible. If you want to remain in your current program, that is ok. We just need to know for sure so we can better assist you with advising.
If you are unsure which program you are currently in, you can log into DegreeWorks and look at the Honors Program block.
Why Should You Choose to Switch to the University or Distinguished Honors Track?
Switching tracks can provide the opportunity to further distinguish yourself in your post-graduation endeavors. For those planning to attend graduate or professional schools the new tracks will help prepare you for the rigor and challenges of those programs in addition to enhancing your application.
The Honors courses and/or contracts you have completed WILL count toward the completion of the new tracks. For example, if you have completed the 15 hours of previously required Honors Core credit you will only need 3 more credit hours to complete the University Honors track. These three hours can be completed by taking another Honors core course or by completing an Honors contract. Visit our Honors Contract website for more information.
Making this switch is STRONGLY recommended for those who plan to attend graduate/professional school, work in the research field, work in public policy/advocacy, or other highly competitive fields.
What is the difference between the new tracks (University and Distinguished) and the old (Upper-level and Honors Core Plan) track?
OLD PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Honors Core (HC)
- Take at least one honors course each semester
- Maintain a 3.0 institutional and honors GPA
- Complete 15 hours of honors core courses
Upper Level Honors (UL)
- Maintain a 3.2 institutional and 3.0 honors GPA
- Complete 2 honors contracts
NEW PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
University Honors (UH)
- Take at least one honors course each semester
- Maintain a 3.0 institutional and honors GPA
- Complete 18 hours of honors credits
- (can be any combination of honors core courses and upper level honors contracts)
Distinguished Honors (DH)
- Take at least one honors course each semester
- Complete 18 hours of honors credits
- (can be any combination of honors core courses and upper level honors contracts)
- Complete 6 hours of Honors Thesis (HNRS 4088)
- Maintain a 3.0 institution GPA and 3.0 honors GPA.
How do I switch?
Complete the “Honors Program Decision” form in the Honors College canvas community to let us know! This is located in the “Welcome to the Honors College” module.
What is a thesis?
The Honors thesis is a respected hallmark of an Honors degree. The thesis project provides the opportunity for a student – in close consultation with an expert member of the faculty – to define and carry through a line of research or a creative enterprise appropriate to the conclusion of a serious and substantial undergraduate program of study. There are three primary forms of the Honors Thesis, and students may choose from the thesis type that best fits their scholarly and professional goals. For more information, please reach out to [email protected]