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.