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Interested in learning more about the Honors College?
Click on the links below…
- LEARN MORE about the Honors College
- Learn HOW TO APPLY to the Honors College
- REQUEST A TOUR of the Honors College
- WATCH A WEBINAR on how to apply.
Please note this webinar is from a previous year’s application cycle, so the dates mentioned are no longer accurate. However, the information regarding what we are looking for is still applicable. - Check out the Honors College EVENTS
- Already applied and want to access your Honors College application checklist? Log in to your Future 49er Portal at future49er.charlotte.edu/apply/status and toggle to the Honors College application.
Please note: Decision notifications for Honors College applications reviewed in the priority cycle (submitted by Dec. 1) have been communicated. “As Space Available” applications (submitted by Mar. 1) may be reviewed if/when space is available in the program. These applications are reviewed and notified on a rolling basis beginning in April.
Special note about the University Honors Program (UHP): Seats are filling fast! If you have been accepted to UHP (not AAHP or BHP), secure your seat before it’s too late. Refer to your Honors College Acceptance Letter in the Future 49er Portal for details
Welcome to our website! We’re so happy you found us, and encourage you to browse our pages for information on benefits, programs, advising, scholarships, and more!! The Honors College is the front door to all honors at UNC Charlotte, so we administer and/or support all 30 programs on campus.
On this page you’ll find answers to the question, “Why honors?” including several benefits; as well as information about the 30 different honors programs we offer on campus, our honors advising options, and scholarships. Please keep scrolling to learn more.
Curiosity Community City
As a UNC Charlotte Honors College student, you will enjoy innovative class topics that pique your curiosity. In honors courses with an average class size of 17, you will be an active partner in your learning experience.
Having a strong community is key for student success at Charlotte. By living in the honors residence hall, attending honors events, and forming relationships with your professors and advisors, you will make valuable connections and lasting friendships before stepping foot in the classroom.
You can explore many cultural and professional opportunities in the city of Charlotte. Honors students often take advantage of the many experiences that only a city can offer, all available from campus via the light rail.
why honors?
Working Closely with Professors
Honors classes allow students to have far more interaction with their professors and fellow students.
Access to Honors Housing in Levine Hall
Serving as both the honors residence hall and the home to the Honors College and Levine Scholars Program offices, Levine Hall connects students to important resources, classes, events, and the honors community. The residence side offers both suite and apartment-style rooms; the administrative wing offers academic advising, a quiet place to study, seminar rooms, and event and meeting spaces.
Graduation with Honors Distinction
When you graduate with University Honors distinction, you will receive a UHP graduation medallion to wear as part of your academic regalia at commencement. You may also receive other medallions and cords to wear from other programs and societies you are involved with. Your honors distinction will be noted in the commencement program, and your official UNC Charlotte transcript will bear the inscription “University Honors.” If you have participated in dual honors, the name of your secondary honors program will also be noted on your transcript.
Individualized Honors Advising and Mentoring
Advising in the Honors College is highly personalized to meet the needs of each student.
Internship and Research Experiences
Opportunities to travel to and present at honors conferences, as well as work closely with professionals in your field.
Average Honors Class Size of 16
The average size for an honors class is around 16 students, compared to the University average of around 35.
Stimulating Interdisciplinary Coursework
Honors classes provide a space for students to think critically, reflect deeply, ask questions, and find solutions.
Priority Class Registration
Students in every honors program have access to early registration for classes.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to the merit scholars programs available to incoming freshmen, the Honors College offers several scholarships to continuing honors students. UNC Charlotte also offers hundreds of other scholarships for which honors students are excellent candidates.
honors programs
At UNC Charlotte we have 30 different honors programs, so you’re bound to find something that fits your interests. Three of our programs are geared towards incoming freshmen and beyond: University Honors Program (UHP), Business Honors Program (BHP), and Arts+Architecture Honors Program (AAHP), while the 27 disciplinary honors programs are designed for juniors and seniors.
Which Program is Right for You?
University Honors Program (UHP)
The University Honors Program (UHP) is UNC Charlotte’s only interdisciplinary, multiyear program, welcoming students from any major. The program emphasizes scholarship, leadership, and community engagement on campus, in the greater Charlotte region, and beyond. Honors courses stress collaborative and reflective practices with the goal of broadening perspectives and promoting open discussion as local and global issues are considered. We seek to inspire students to be intellectually curious, creative problem-solvers, and envoys of diverse and inclusive thinking in and outside of the classroom. LEARN MORE about UHP
Members of the Business Honors Program (BHP) participate in stimulating coursework, leadership activities, career-building exercises, and community service endeavors designed to promote marketability after graduation. BHP students typically enroll in two Honors courses per year for the duration of their college career. Classes are kept small to facilitate faculty and student interaction. BHP members also have access to a specialized Academic Advisor who ensures correct progression toward the degree. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive Honors commendation on their academic transcript. LEARN MORE about BHP
Arts + Architecture Honors Program (AAHP)
The Arts + Architecture Honors Program (AAHP) brings students together from all units of the CoA+A through coursework and extracurricular activities. AAHP furthers the CoA+A’s goals of providing creative leadership for the UNC Charlotte and greater Charlotte communities by encouraging and developing the full potential of its outstanding students. AAHP students take an active and engaged role in their own education within an interdisciplinary curriculum built on the shared nature of the built, visual, and performing arts. LEARN MORE about AAHP
Click on Each Green Bar for More Information
Disciplinary Programs
Africana Studies
HONORS IN AFRICANA STUDIES
Director: Dr. Oscar de la Torre
The Africana Studies Honors Program provides opportunities for exceptional achievement in the Africana Studies major. The goal is to deepen the understanding of self-motivated students in the interdisciplinary field of Africana Studies.
When can I apply?
Students can apply after they have declared an Africana Studies major and completed at least 6 hours of AFRS courses with at least a “B” in each.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.25 in all departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must enroll in either the honors section of AFRS 3290 or the honors section of AFRS 4010, along with completing AFRS 4790. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Anthropology
HONORS IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Director: Dr. Lydia Light
The Department of Anthropology offers outstanding students the opportunity to earn Honors in Anthropology by completing a two-course research sequence that deepens their knowledge of the anthropological field.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during the first semester of their junior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.5 in anthropology departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete both ANTH 4601 and ANTH 4701. Students must also meet the internship or study abroad requirement, and must enroll in one (1) honors college courses.
Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences
HONORS IN APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY, HEALTH, AND CLINICAL SCIENCES
Director: Dr. Luke Donovan
Students completing their degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science can pursue honors through their department by completing well-articulated research and broadening their honors education through the enrollment in additional honors courses outside the department.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during their sophomore or junior years.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.5 in your major courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete KNES 4700, along with six (6) hours of honors college coursework.
Art History
HONORS IN ART HISTORY
Director: Dr. James Frakes
The Department of Art History offers an opportunity to graduate with honors for students who want to complete further well-articulated research in the department and pursue in-depth analysis of other topics in art history.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during their junior year when registering for ARTH 3115.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.25 in art history departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must enroll in ARTH 3115 and the “Problems in Art History” seminar, and earn an A in both courses. Students must also complete ARTH 4700. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Biology
HONORS IN BIOLOGY
Director: Dr. Didier Dreau (interim)
We live in a time where exciting discoveries in the biological sciences occur every day. Yet there are so many questions that remain unanswered. The overall goal of the Honors Program in the Department of Biological Sciences is to provide an in depth understanding of biology by having exceptional students participate in the process of scientific investigation under the tutelage of faculty researchers.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during the 1st semester of their junior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.4 in biological sciences departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students will enroll in BIOL 4601, BIOL 4700 and BIOL 4701, and must earn an A or B in all four (4) courses. Please visit the website for more information.
Chemistry
HONORS IN CHEMISTRY
Director: Dr. Jordan Poler
The Department of Chemistry offers students the opportunity to pursue an honors degree by completing directed honors research and presenting that research in a seminar setting within the department. While the Honors Program in Chemistry is intended primarily for chemistry majors, it is open to students in other majors who have the appropriate background in chemistry.
When can I apply?
There are many benefits to being an honors student and you are encouraged to apply at any time if you meet the criteria.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.5 overall GPA and a 3.75 in honors chemistry courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students will complete the honors sections of both CHEM 4900 and CHEM 4696 to earn the honors designation upon graduation. Please visit the website for more information.
Communication Studies
HONORS IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES
Director: Dr. Tiffany Gallicano
The Honors Program in the Department of Communication Studies aims to identify, encourage, nurture and recognize students with exceptional analytical, creative and communicative skills potential. The program stresses guided but self-directed independent study, and each honors student will be evaluated by a faculty committee based upon uniquely developed criteria for each student. To apply to the Communication Studies Honors Program, students must have an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher, have completed at least 30 credit hours, and must have taken at least 6 hours of COMM or Journalism courses. Accepted honors students will complete honors coursework and an honors thesis to graduate with departmental honors.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during their sophomore year or the first semester of their junior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.3 overall GPA and a 3.3 in departmental and honors courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete both COMM 3890 and COMM 3891 to fulfill the honors coursework requirements. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Computing and Informatics
COMPUTING AND INFORMATICS HONORS PROGRAM
Director: Dr. Xi “Sunshine” Niu
The Computing and Informatics Honors Program (CCI Honors) is designed to provide academic challenges and research opportunities to high-achieving students to better prepare them for post-graduate success. CCI Honors students must complete honors section(s) of specified course(s), an honors research course, and an honors thesis. Upon the successful completion of the honors program in CCI, students receive Honors commendations on their transcript and in the commencement program.
When can I apply?
The program has three possible entry points. Students can apply at each entry point. Please refer to the CCI Honors Program catalog.
What are the GPA requirements?
- First-time-in-college students: Minimum unweighted high school GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Transfer students: Combined transfer GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Current UNC Charlotte undergraduate students: Minimum overall GPA of 3.5 or higher
What are the curricular requirements?
- ITSC 1213 Introduction to Computer Science
- ITSC 2214 Data Structures and Algorithms
- ITSC 3688 Computers and Their Impact on Society
- ITSC 3790 Honors Research
- ITSC 4750 Honors Thesis
Visit the CCI Honors Program website for more info.
Criminal Justice
HONORS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Director: Dr. John Stogner
The purpose of the Honors Program in Criminal Justice is to identify the creative, imaginative, and/or exceptional student and to encourage and recognize the development of this student’s potential. The Honors Program in Criminal Justice shall encourage independent study and shall evaluate each student’s achievement in terms of her or his ability to proceed as a self-directed learner.
When can I apply?
Students can apply during their sophomore or junior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.5 in criminal justice departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
- Complete CJUS 4700 and CJUS 4701 with a grade of A
- Complete 6 additional credit hours of Honors coursework, either in HONR courses or in designated Honors sections
Education
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION HONORS PROGRAM
Director: Dr. Madelyn Williams Colonnese
The purpose of the Education Honors Program is to identify undergraduate candidates who have consistently OR who have the potential for demonstrated high task commitment, achievement, and/or creativity. Potential candidates may exhibit these behaviors in any area of study, research, leadership, or service.
Secondly, the aim of the Education Honors Program is to provide these exceptional students with the opportunity to contribute productively and creatively to society through the field of education. The Honors Program is designed to further develop candidates’ scholarship, research, leadership, and advocacy skills through enrichment, mentorships, and the pursuit of an in-depth study of a candidate-selected topic of interest.
When can I apply?
Students can apply after they have been admitted to a teacher education program and completed at least 30 semester hours of coursework. Students must apply at least three (3) semesters before the semester in which they will be student teaching.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.5 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in honors coursework.
What are the curricular requirements?
Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Engineering
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING HONORS PROGRAM
Director: Dr. Ron Smelser
The William States Lee College of Engineering Honors Program recognizes students who have excelled in their demanding undergraduate curricula. The program expands their academic achievements and strives to develop the necessary skills to be reflective both personally and technically. This will enable students to achieve satisfaction and advancement in their careers as graduates with honors in engineering.
When can I apply?
Students can apply during their senior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.5 overall GPA.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students will complete ENGR 3790 and ENGR 3791 in order to fulfill their honors coursework requirements. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
English
HONORS IN ENGLISH
Director: Dr. Matthew Rowney
Assistant Director: Dr. Juan Meneses
The English Honors program offers its outstanding undergraduate students the opportunity to conclude their degree with advanced coursework in a research-seminar setting; it also provides venues for the completion of a capstone project of their choosing under the direction of a faculty member. English Honors students are strongly encouraged to attend departmental talks and events in order to gain an appreciation of the discipline’s professional culture, and they are invited to optional English Honors outings at least once a year.
When can I apply?
Students can apply during the first semester of their junior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA, a 3.5 GPA in English department courses and a 4.0 GPA in honors English courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students will complete their honors coursework by enrolling in ENGL 4750 and either ENGL 4751 or ENGL 4752. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Geography, Geology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, or Meteorology
HONORS IN GEOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, OR METEOROLOGY
Director: Dr. Sandra Clinton
Students have the opportunity to earn honors in Geography & Earth Science by completing additional research that furthers their learning and understanding through a hands-on experience within a research group.
When can I apply?
Students can apply at any time during their junior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.2 GPA in all geography, geology, earth science and meteorology courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete the honors section of the 4800 course within their major (geography, geology, earth science or meteorology), which will include the completion of research and the presentation of a thesis. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Global Studies
HONORS IN GLOBAL STUDIES
Director: Dr. Charles Houck
The Department of Global Studies offers an Honors Program that provides select International Studies majors with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the field. Students admitted to the program will conduct intensive research on a topic relevant to Global Studies and their concentration within the major, produce a thesis paper that demonstrates a high level of academic rigor and creative thinking, and present and defend it to a committee of Global Studies faculty for final evaluation.
When can I apply?
International Studies majors who have completed their International Experience requirement and meet GPA requirements.
What are the GPA requirements?
Students must hold at least a 3.5 major GPA and a 3.25 overall GPA to be eligible to apply for and graduate with departmental honors.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete INTL 4601 by producing a detailed research proposal and literature review, earning a grade of A. This will serve as a prerequisite for advancement to Honors Research (INTL 4701). Students must also complete INTL 4701 by writing an original research/thesis paper focused on their major concentration, and successfully defending it before a three-person Honors Committee of Global Studies faculty. The Honors project should produce a final paper of at least 20-25 pages and address a well-defined problem or research question with the goal of developing greater understanding of a theoretical or practical global issue.
Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
History
HONORS IN HISTORY
Director: Dr. Maren Ehlers
The B.A. with History Honors is the highest accolade UNC Charlotte History undergraduates can receive. It attests to your advanced methodology training in History and the successful authorship of a publishable article-style thesis; as well as your exemplary grade point averages in your major and undergraduate courses. History Honors is a great preparation for post baccalaureate/graduate training, and a stellar addition to your resume. History Honors Candidates may receive dual early-entry graduate credit for the History Master’s program.
When can I apply?
Students can apply during their junior or senior years.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in history department courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete six (6) hours of honors coursework by enrolling in HIST 4797 and HIST 4799. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Languages, Cultures and Translation
HONORS IN LANGUAGES, CULTURES AND TRANSLATION
Director: Dr. Allison Stedman
Students who are pursuing a degree in any of the majors or minors offered in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Translation have the option to earn honors by completing research within the department. This research, which can be completed in English or in the target language, will have to be successfully defended. Students who write a thesis will also enhance their undergraduate experience through internships and/or study abroad credit in order to develop additional language skills.
When can I apply?
Students may apply at the beginning of their sophomore, junior or senior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
The requirements for Honors are: completion of LACS 3700 and LACS 4700 plus a study abroad program through the Office of Education Abroad, or a program-approved internship (LACS 4410).
LACS 3700: Research Methods helps students identify a topic, conduct preliminary research on the topic, and elaborate a project or thesis proposal that must be approved by the Honors Committee. This class is writing intensive. All project and thesis proposals will contain: an abstract presenting a research question, a literature review, the research design (procedure for collecting evidence), and a statement of the significance of the project.
LACS 4700: Honors Project guides a student in the final preparation of the project, which may be a traditional written thesis or may take the form of a portfolio containing a variety of elements: translations, videos, power points, photos, reflections. All projects/theses must have clearly delineated written conclusions and be presented in a public forum such as: The Charlotte Research Symposium, The Global Scholars Symposium, or a departmental forum.
To graduate with Honors, students must:
1. complete the Application to Candidacy through the Honors College.
2. complete LACS 3700 with an A OR a grade of B with endorsement of director.
3. complete a study abroad or program-approved internship experience of at least 3 hours (a spring break trip may meet this requirement).
4. complete LACS 4700 with an A.
5. present the written product of their research at an appropriate conference or public forum.
6. have a GPA in the LACS major or minor of at least 3.5.
Visit the program website for more information.
Latin American Studies
HONORS IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES
Director: Dr. Carlos Coria-Sánchez
The Latin American Studies department offers the opportunity to graduate with honors for students who wish to complete research and present a thesis on a well-articulated topic in the department. Students who successfully defend their thesis and meet the GPA requirements will be able to graduate with Honors in Latin American Studies.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during their junior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.25 overall GPA and a 3.25 in departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must enroll in LTAM 4700 to complete their thesis, and must earn an A in this course to graduate with honors. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Mathematics
HONORS IN MATHEMATICS
Director: Dr. Arindam Roy
The purpose of the Honors Program in Mathematics is to stimulate the imagination and deepen the understanding of students by encouraging independent study, and to provide recognition of exceptional achievements in mathematics. Students who complete the requirements of the program graduate with Honors in Mathematics.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during their junior or senior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
Students must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA, a 3.25 GPA in departmental courses and a 3.5 GPA in the honors mathematics courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students complete six (6) hours of honors coursework by enrolling in MATH 3790 and MATH 3791. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Nursing
HONORS IN NURSING
Director: Dr. Susan Lynch
The School of Nursing offers an undergraduate nursing honors program beginning in the Fall of 2019. This academic honors program will emphasize scholarship and leadership activities such as identifying key issues impacting the nursing profession at the microsystem level, conducting a literature review to further define the issue, designing an evidence-based intervention with a strong theoretical foundation and disseminating findings through poster or podium presentation or other approved method.
When can I apply?
When you receive unconditional admission into the Nursing upper division
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain at least a 3.7 in nursing departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete NURS 3700-H and NURS 4203-H. Students must obtain a grade of A in NURS 4203-H
Visit the program website for more info.
Philosophy
HONORS IN PHILOSOPHY
Director: Dr. Martin Shuster
The Philosophy Honors Program is an intensive research experience. It is excellent preparation for the type of work students will need to do in graduate programs in philosophy and other humanities disciplines (such as literature, cultural studies, etc.). Given the interdisciplinary nature of our program and our faculty’s research, philosophy honors students can easily pursue interdisciplinary projects in areas such as practical and professional ethics, women’s and gender studies, and environmental studies.
When can I apply?
Students can apply during their sophomore or junior years.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.5 GPA in departmental courses and a 3.5 GPA in all honors coursework.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete six (6) hours of honors coursework: an honors college course and PHIL 3791. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Physics and Optical Science
HONORS IN PHYSICS AND OPTICAL SCIENCE
Director: Dr. Nate Fried
Students have the opportunity to earn honors in Physics & Optical Science by completing additional research that furthers their learning and understanding through a hands-on experience within a research group.
When can I apply?
Students can apply during the first semester of their senior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete their final project in the honors section of PHYS 3900 and earn an A in this course. The research project typically takes two (2) semesters to complete. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Political Science
HONORS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Director: Dr. Eric Heberlig
Students can earn Honors in Political Science by writing a research-based honors thesis that deepens their understanding of a topic of their choice using appropriate methods of political analysis. Working under the supervision of faculty members, honors students also learn about potential graduate schools and career options in political science and related fields.
When can I apply?
Students may apply after they have earned an “A” in POLS 2220.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.25 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
The Political Science Honors Program consists of a two-course sequence:
- POLS 3700 Honors Research, in which the student writes a literature review and develops a research design; and
- POLS 4700 Honors Thesis, in which the student completes the research and finalizes the thesis. The student must do an oral defense of the thesis in front of a committee that includes the topic advisor and two other faculty members.
Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Psychological Sciences
HONORS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Director: Dr. Erika Montanaro
Students majoring in psychology have the opportunity to earn honors by completing a two-semester thesis project that is designed to be similar to a master’s thesis. During the first semester, the student does a literature search of existing research on his or her topic, and uses that material as the basis for a Research Proposal. There is a formal defense of the proposal before a committee of 3-4 faculty members at the end of the first semester.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during their junior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.2 GPA in departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students complete six (6) hours of honors coursework through PSYC 4701 and PSYC 4702. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Public Health and Health Systems Management
HONORS IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
Director: Dr. Alicia Dahl
Honors programs are intended for academically talented and enthusiastic students. The Public Health and Health Systems Management Honors Program allows these students to complete an Honors project that will challenge students and strengthen their understanding of the public health or healthcare field.
When can I apply?
Students in the Public Health or Health Systems Management majors may apply during their junior or senior year, after they have completed 60 hours of overall coursework. Health Systems Management majors must have completed at least 9 hours of coursework in the major.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.25 overall GPA and a 3.25 GPA in major courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete both HLTH 3790 and HLTH 3791, along with at least one additional Honors course (3 credit hours).
Religious Studies
HONORS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Director: Dr. Julia Moore
The Department of Religious Studies offers an honors program that allows students to deepen their consideration of approaches to the study of religion and to explore a well-articulated question in a written thesis.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during their junior year or first semester of senior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.2 GPA in departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students are required to take RELS 4400 and complete a honors thesis (RELS 4700). Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Social Work
HONORS IN SOCIAL WORK
Director: Mr. Roger Suclupe
Social Work students have the opportunity to pursue honors in their program by completing research and field experiences that will aid in the development of a thesis within their major to further their academic and career goals.
When can I apply?
Students may apply to the honors program when they are applying to the Upper Division Social Work program.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must have at least a 3.4 GPA when applying to the honors program.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students enroll in SOWK 3900 and SOWK 3988 to complete their research, while also completing SOWK 3482 and SOWK 3484 to meet the requirements of their field experience. Visit the program website to learn more about the required courses and thesis options.
Sociology
HONORS IN SOCIOLOGY
Director: Dr. Victoria Rankin
The Sociology Honors Program aims to identify, encourage, and nurture students with exceptional analytical, creative, and communicative skills. The program stresses guided, but self-directed, independent study culminating with an undergraduate thesis. Each honors student will be assisted and evaluated by a faculty committee. The Sociology Honors Program is great preparation for post baccalaureate/graduate training in Sociology and other social science fields, as well as a stellar addition to student resumés.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during their sophomore or junior year.
What are the GPA requirements?
You must maintain a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students take a total of 9 hours of honors courses, including up to six (6) hours in honors college courses and at least three (3) hours specifically in sociology. Of those sociology courses, one must be SOCY 3799, the thesis course.
Visit the program website for more information.
honors advising & scholarships
Students in honors programs have more than one advisor. Your primary advisor(s) will be in your academic major(s). While you may rely on your academic advisor for guidance within your specific major, you also will need honors advising to ensure that you are on track, considering all possibilities for your senior honors requirements, and are knowledgeable about all scholarship opportunities.
Merit scholarships
