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 Computing Honors Program (CHP), 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 the largest multiyear honors program, welcoming new, continuing, and transfer students from any major. Students in UHP take interdisciplinary courses with other honors and merit scholars and participate in a variety of co-curricular experiences designed to develop them intellectually, personally and professionally. Honors courses emphasize collaborative and reflective practices with the goal of broadening perspectives and promoting open discussion. We seek to inspire students to be intellectually curious, creative problem-solvers, and envoys of thinking who value varied perspectives in and outside of the classroom. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive Honors commendation on their academic transcript and recognition in the commencement program.
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Members of the Business Honors Program (BHP), which accepts a small, class-sized cohort each year, participate in stimulating coursework, leadership activities, career-building exercises, and community service endeavors designed to promote marketability after graduation. Business Honors courses are implemented throughout the curriculum and promote a more holistic approach to learning through smaller and more interactive class settings. Business Honors courses are taught by the most qualified Business professors in the University. BHP members also have access to a specialized Academic Advisor who ensures correct progression toward their degree. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive Honors commendation on their academic transcript and recognition in the commencement program.
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Computing Honors Program (CHP)
The Computing Honors Program (CHP) provides academic challenges and research opportunities to high-achieving undergraduate students in computing majors. CHP students complete honors sections of core courses, conduct research, and develop an honors thesis under faculty mentorship. The program offers flexible entry points to accommodate students at different stages of their academic journey, from incoming first-year students to those who have already completed foundational coursework. Honors classes foster close faculty-student collaboration and peer interaction. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive Honors commendation on their academic transcript and recognition in the commencement program.
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Disciplinary programs
Click on green bars below for more information:
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?
Students 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 4100, along with completing AFRS 4790.
Visit the Africana Studies honors program website and the African Studies, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
Anthropology
HONORS IN ANTHROPOLOGY
Director: Dr. Tim Murtha
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?
Students must maintain a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.5 in anthropology departmental courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete ANTH 4701 or ANTH 4611 and ANTH 4702. Students must also meet the internship or study abroad requirement, and must complete three (3) hours of designated honors courses.
Visit the Anthropology, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students must maintain a 3.2 overall GPA and a 3.5 in your major courses.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students must complete EXER 3900, EXER 4115, and EXER 4700, along with six (6) hours of honors college coursework.
Visit the Applied Physiology, Health, and Clinical Sciences, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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 Art History honors program website and the Art History, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
Biology
HONORS IN BIOLOGY
Director: Dr. Richard Chi
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?
Students 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 three (3) courses.
Visit the Biology honors program website and the Biology, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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.
Visit the Chemistry honors program website and the Chemistry, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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 Communications honors program website and the Communication Studies, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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
Visit the Criminal Justice, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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 15 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?
Students must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.2 GPA in honors coursework.
What are the curricular requirements?
Visit the Education honors program website and the Education, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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 Engineering honors program website and the Engineering, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
English
HONORS IN ENGLISH
Director: Dr. Matthew Rowney
Assistant Director: Dr. Rebecca Roeder
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?
Students 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 English honors program website and the English, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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, Geology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, or Meteorology 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?
Students 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 Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences honors program website and the Geography, Geology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies, or Meteorology, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Global 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 Global Studies, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
History
HONORS IN HISTORY
Director: Dr. Dan Du
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?
Students 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 History honors program website and the History, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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).
Visit the Languages, Cultures and Translation honors program website and the Languages, Cultures and Translation, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
Latin American Studies
HONORS IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES
Director: Dr. David Dalton
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?
Students 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 Latin American Studies honors program website and the Latin American Studies, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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 Mathematics honors program website and the Mathematics, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
Nursing
HONORS IN NURSING
Director: Dr. Susan Lynch
The School of Nursing academic honors program emphasizes 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?
Students may apply when they receive unconditional admission into the Nursing upper division
What are the GPA requirements?
Students 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 Nursing, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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 4700.
Visit the Philosophy honors program website and the Philosophy, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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 Physics and Optical Science honors program website and the Physics, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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 Political Science honors program website and Political Science, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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 Psychological Sciences honors program website and the Psychology, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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 a healthcare analytics experience and internship/study abroad experience that will challenge students and strengthen their understanding of the healthcare field.
When can I apply?
Students may apply during their junior or senior year, after they have completed 60 hours of overall coursework and 9 hours of coursework within the Epidemiology and Community Health or Health Management and Policy major.
What are the GPA requirements?
Students 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).
Visit the Public Health and Health Systems Management, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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 4790 and complete a honors thesis (RELS 4791).
Visit the Religious Studies honors program website and the Religious Studies, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students must have at least a 3.4 GPA when applying to the honors program.
What are the curricular requirements?
Students submit a capstone project in conjunction with a senior field education course (SOWK 3484).
Visit the Social Work honors program website and the Social Work, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.
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?
Students 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 three (3) hours in honors college courses and at least three (3) hours specifically in sociology. Of those sociology courses, students must take SOCY 3798 and SOCY 3799 capstone courses.
Visit the Sociology honors program website and the Sociology, Honors Program catalog entry to learn more.