Program Requirements

The Life of the Mind

The Honors Program comprises four intellectual areas: the Scholar, the Scientist, the Artist, and the Citizen. Completion of the Honors Program will include:

• Attainment of a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher
• Completion of a departmental or interdisciplinary major
• Completion of HNR 111, Introduction to Life of the Mind
• Completion of four seminars representing the Scholar, the Artist, the Scientist, and the Citizen (HNR 103, 203, 303, 403)
• Completion of HNR 211, Service Learning Seminar with 40 hours of community service, or NDI 345
• Completion of HNR 112, 212, 312, annual portfolio review courses
• Completion of HNR 455, Senior Honors Project
• Completion of Portfolio
• Completion of 1 DIW (Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellness) course
• Completion of 7 inquiry courses, with at least one from each of the four disciplines (natural sciences, humanities, arts, social sciences)

Service Learning

Community service leaves an enriching life-long effect on students and the community they serve. Honors students take part in 40 hours of service learning with a site and activity of their choosing. The service project is completed while the student is enrolled in HNR 211 Service Learning. The philosophy of the Honors Program is that genuine Service Learning is not simply doing “good.” Rather that through serving others in the community that one learns what “good” truly is.

Senior Research Project

During their senior year, honors students will develop a senior research project with a faculty mentor. Students select a project within their field that gives them a chance to show creativity and delve deeply into the subject. The project includes a written portion and a public presentation.