The University Honors program is designed to deepen and enrich your undergraduate experience, helping you make the most of your time at App State. Most students complete the program over four years by taking about one Honors course per semester. Each element of the program is crafted to expand your academic and personal horizons.
Academic Components
The 24-credit University Honors program includes:
Interdisciplinary Honors Seminars (9 credits)
Engage with small groups of academically curious students from across all majors. These seminars are led by passionate faculty who teach subjects they love and often count toward general education requirements. It’s a chance to explore big ideas in a dynamic, discussion-based environment.
Senior Honors Thesis (3 credits)
Build a one-on-one mentoring relationship with a faculty expert in your area of interest. Work alongside your mentor to conduct original research or creative work, gaining confidence and skills that will serve you well beyond graduation.
Additional Honors Coursework (12 credits, 3 of which must be in your major)
Earn Honors credits in classes you’re likely already planning to take—whether in general education, your major, or your minor—by exploring the material in greater depth. You can enroll in Honors-designated sections, create Honors contracts, or even count graduate-level coursework, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests and goals.
International Education Experience
Most students fulfill this requirement through study abroad(link is external), which strengthens cultural understanding and expands your global perspective. If studying abroad isn’t feasible, you can meet this requirement through globally focused Honors seminars or by incorporating an international theme into your thesis.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with University Honors, students must complete all program components with a grade of B or higher, a minimum 3.45 overall GPA and a 3.45 GPA in Honors coursework at the time of graduation.
Modifications for students entering with significant credit:
If you’re entering Appalachian with 45 or more earned credits, you may qualify for our Upper Division University Honors pathway. This option reduces the additional Honors coursework requirement to just 3 credits, bringing the total program requirement to 15 credits. It’s designed to reflect the reality that students with significant prior credit often have fewer opportunities to complete Honors courses through general education. Despite the reduced credit load, this pathway offers the same enriching experiences and fits seamlessly into a more condensed three-year academic timeline.
See the University Bulletin(link is external) for detailed descriptions of University Honors and Upper Division University Honors requirements.
Beyond the Classroom
The University Honors Program is more than a curriculum—it’s a vibrant, supportive community designed to help you thrive both academically and personally. From your first year through graduation, you’ll find opportunities to connect, grow, and lead.
Supportive Residential Community
From day one, you’ll be part of a welcoming and engaged Honors community. You’ll live your first year in Cone Hall with fellow Honors students, forming friendships in a collaborative, intellectually curious environment. Continuing students also have the opportunity to remain connected through priority access to on-campus housing in Summit Hall, helping many secure housing for their full time at App State.
Honors Life and Leadership
Outside the classroom, the student-led Appalachian Honors Association hosts monthly events that bring students together through social, service, and professional development activities. Our peer mentoring program and Honors Student Ambassadors offer support and leadership opportunities. Honors faculty and mentors are active participants in the life of the College—guiding, encouraging, and learning alongside you.
Personalized Mentoring
Throughout your Honors journey, you’ll receive one-on-one guidance from faculty and staff who are deeply invested in your success. Whether you're exploring academic interests, preparing for graduate school, or planning your career, your mentors will help you navigate your path with confidence and purpose. As a continuing Honors student, you’ll also benefit from priority course registration—giving you early access to build a schedule that supports your academic goals and personal interests.
Global Perspective
Honors students are encouraged to broaden their worldview through international education. Most fulfill this requirement through study abroad, but globally focused seminars or internationally themed thesis projects offer flexible alternatives that fit your goals and schedule.
Research & Creativity
Your Honors experience culminates in a Senior Honors Thesis or creative project. Working closely with a faculty mentor, you’ll engage in original research or creative work that deepens your expertise and builds valuable skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.