• Intellectually curious
• Demonstrating creativity, depth, and innovation in thought
• Distinguished by drive, enthusiasm, and engagement in learning and problem-solving inside and outside the classroom
• Possessing academic ability and promise
• Distinguished by leadership abilities and promise
• Demonstrating social awareness and responsibility

• Intensive setting for oral communication, writing skills, critical thinking
• Interdisciplinary approaches to social problemsIntensive interaction with faculty
• Collaborative work with highly motivated peers in many majors
• Leadership and team-building strategies through service-learning and community-based projects
• Internships, conferences, and professional networking through National and Regional Associations
• Formal recognition including Honors designation on student transcript

"Four Plus Four"

Honors students take four Honors Courses and undertake four Honors Component projects in regular courses. Typically students take one course and undertake one component each year at the University, fall and spring, respectively. This "4 Course + 4 Component" sequence is designed to blend with any student's major, minor, and set of interests.

Honors Courses

Each year, students take one course available only to Honors students.

Honors Components

Students work with a professor to customize a project in one of their regular courses to convert that course into an "Honors Component."

Students work with their professors to tailor their projects to match their interests, goals, or needs. Each Honors Component may be designed to deepen knowledge of course subject matter, to apply subject matter of the course to the student's major or career goals, or to sharpen skills the student would like to hone.

Typically students will undertake Honors Components in the semesters they are not taking an Honor Course. Two Components must be in courses at the 200 level or above. Guidelines and sample Components are available from the Honors Director.

Electronic Portfolio

Honors Program students collect representative samples of their coursework and college activities from all four years in an electronic portfolio that documents their growth and accomplishment.

Continuing Eligibility Requirements 

Students must pass all Honors courses and components with a grade of C or better. Students must maintain a 3.5 overall cumulative average to continue in the Honors Program.