University Honors Program

Engage with small groups of academically curious students from across majors. You'll take three required seminars, typically one in each of your first three years (HON 1515, HON 251X, HON 351X), and most also count toward general education requirements. Faculty individually design these courses to explore big ideas, invite real conversation, and support students who came to think, not just take notes.

Work closely with a faculty mentor on a research, creative, or community-engaged project that matters to you. Along the way, you'll build confidence and strengthen your critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Earn additional Honors credit across your academic program. You'll complete 12 Honors credits beyond your seminars and thesis, including at least three in your major. Most students earn these credits in courses they're already taking: general education, major, or minor classes. You can also earn credit through additional Honors seminars, Honors contracts, or graduate-level coursework taken as an undergraduate.

Expand your perspective through global learning.  Students typically meet this requirement by study abroad for credit. Most return more curious, more confident, and with a broader view of the world. If studying abroad isn't feasible, you can meet it through globally focused Honors seminars or by adding an international theme to your Honors Thesis.

To graduate with University Honors, students must:

• Earn a grade of B or higher in all Honors coursework.
• Graduate with a minimum 3.45 cumulative GPA.
• Graduate with a minimum 3.45 GPA in Honors coursework.

This page provides an overview of the University Honors curriculum. For complete course descriptions, academic policies, and degree requirements, see the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Students entering App State with 45 or more earned credits may qualify for the Upper Division University Honors pathway. Since you'll have fewer opportunities to earn Honors credit through general education courses, Upper Division University Honors reduces the total Honors coursework you need.

The modifications include:

• 6 credits of interdisciplinary Honors seminars (instead of 9), including at least 3 credits at the 3000 level
• 6 additional Honors credits (instead of 12), including at least 3 credits in the major

These modifications reduce the total Honors credit requirement from 24 credits to 15 credits.

All other University Honors requirements remain the same, including the Honors Thesis, International Education Experience, and GPA and grade requirements.

See the University Bulletin for detailed descriptions of University Honors and Upper Division University Honors requirements. 

If you're transferring from another Honors program, you may be able to apply previously completed Honors coursework toward University Honors or Upper Division University Honors requirements. Contact the Honors College to request a transfer credit review if you earned a grade of B or higher in Honors coursework at another institution.

First-year Honors students live together in Cone Hall, creating opportunities to build friendships and connections from the start. Continuing students can remain connected through priority access to housing in Summit Hall. Living and learning together helps foster the strong sense of community that students often describe as their favorite part of Honors.

The student-led Appalachian Honors Association brings students together through social events, service projects, and professional development activities. Peer mentors and Honors Student Ambassadors provide additional opportunities to contribute, serve, and develop leadership skills within the Honors community.

Every Honors student is paired with an Honors Academic Mentor who serves as an advisor, advocate, and guide throughout their time at App State. Beyond helping with course selection, mentors help students identify opportunities for research, leadership, global learning, scholarships, and other experiences that align with their goals and interests. Continuing Honors students also benefit from priority registration, making it easier to build a schedule that supports their academic plans.

Honors Academic Mentors help students identify global learning opportunities that align with their interests and goals and connect them with the Office of International Programs as they plan their experience. In addition to a wide range of university-sponsored programs abroad, the Honors College regularly offers faculty-led international experiences and provides funding through the International Education Scholarship.

Honors students explore questions that matter to them through original research and creative work. Many share their seminar projects, Honors Thesis work, and creative scholarship at regional Honors conferences, where they connect with Honors students from across the region and engage in interdisciplinary conversations. The Honors College supports student participation in these conferences and other opportunities to present and celebrate their work.