University Honors

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.

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.

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.  

Most students fulfill this requirement through study abroad, 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.

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.

Explore the comprehensive course listings and program requirements in our official Undergraduate Bulletin. Whether you are charting your path toward graduation or looking for detailed course descriptions, this resource provides the essential information you need to succeed. 

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 interdisciplinary honors seminar credits requirement to 6 credits (3 of which must be at the 3000-level) and the additional honors coursework requirements to 6 credits (3 of which must be in the major), 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 for detailed descriptions of University Honors and Upper Division University Honors requirements. 

From day one, you’ll be part of a welcoming and engaged Honors community. First-year, first-time students live together in Cone Hall, 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.