University Honors Program

Engage with small groups of academically curious students from across majors. These three required seminars, typically taken during the first (HON 1515), second (HON 251X), and third (HON 351X) years, are led by passionate faculty who teach subjects they love and often fulfill general education requirements. The seminars encourage students to explore big ideas through discussion, reflection, and shared inquiry.

Work closely with a faculty mentor as you investigate a question, problem, or creative endeavor through original research or creative work. Along the way, you'll develop confidence and strengthen your critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Earn additional Honors credit across your academic program. In addition to the Honors seminars and Honors Thesis, you'll complete 12 Honors credits through coursework that fits your interests and degree plan, including at least three credits in your major. Most students earn these credits in general education, major, or minor courses, but you can also complete additional Honors seminars, Honors contracts, and graduate-level coursework taken as an undergraduate.

Expand your perspective through global learning. Most students fulfill this requirement through a credit-bearing study abroad experience, where they engage with new cultures, ideas, and ways of seeing the world. If studying abroad isn't feasible, you can meet this requirement through globally focused Honors seminars or by incorporating an international theme into 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. This pathway modifies the University Honors curriculum to reflect the fact that students with significant prior credit often have fewer opportunities to earn Honors credit through general education coursework.

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. 

Students transferring from another Honors program may be able to apply previously completed Honors coursework toward University Honors or Upper Division University Honors requirements. If you earned a grade of B or higher in Honors coursework at another institution, contact the Honors College to request a transfer credit review. Honors College staff will review transfer Honors coursework individually, and up to six credits may be accepted.

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 students are encouraged to engage with people, cultures, and ideas beyond their immediate experience. 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.

Start by going to the Office of International Programs (OIP) to explore study abroad options and take the Study Abroad 101 workshop to learn about the process of applying for study abroad. Meet with your academic mentor to discuss how the study abroad options you are considering align with your goals. They can also discuss funding opportunities such as the Honors College International Education Scholarship, OIP scholarships, and other nationally competitive scholarships.

If studying abroad isn’t feasible, talk to your mentor about fulfilling this requirement through globally-focused Honors seminars or incorporating international themes into your thesis.

The steps outlined below are designed to help you prepare, engage with your experience, and reflect on your growth afterward. Students entering the Honors College in Fall 2025 and beyond must complete both steps in order to fulfill the International Education Requirement for University or Upper-Division Honors graduation.

1. Talk with your academic mentor about your goals for your international experience and work with them to determine which type of experience would best fit your needs. They will be able to connect you with campus resources to fully plan that experience.
2. International Education Experience: Participate in a credit-bearing academic experience abroad, such as a short-term, faculty-led program, a semester-long study abroad, an international internship, or an international Alternative Service Experience in conjunction with a preparatory 1-hour Honors Independent Study or other credit-bearing courses at App State. You can also meet this requirement through globally-focused Honors seminars or by incorporating global themes into your thesis as outlined in your approved Honors Thesis Plan.
3. International Education Experience Reflection: Complete this reflection after finishing your international education experience.